In the law about seducing a virgin (v16-17) we see how God never treats sexual relationships outside of marriage as a trivial matter. God’s standards do not change and continues to condemn all sexual relationships outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We see here that the father has a role in protecting his daughter.

The sins of sorcery (v18), bestiality (v19) and worshipping a false god (v20) are to receive the death penalty. We need to remember that Israel were God’s people, they were set apart to be holy to the Lord.

Within the church today we cannot tolerate these sins and the judgment has to be the spiritual equivalent of the death penalty which is excommunication.

Foreigners living among the Israelites are to receive love and kindness (v21), the reason being that Israel were foreigners in Egypt and knew how hard it was. Today as believers need to have a very welcoming attitude to immigrants. We need to be positively warm and not stand off them.

God next warns of severe repercussions if widows and fatherless children are mistreated (v22-24). We need to have a special concern for those who are in this situation. We need to pray for the love and compassion of Christ in this.