The people of Israel at this time where on their way from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land. God’s people are to be different from these pagan

nations (v1-3). The reason why they are to be different is because of whom the Lord is and their relationship to Him (v2b).

The Lord shares about intimate relationships which are not acceptable due to the closeness of family members (v6-20). What was forbidden includes relationships to a father, mother, step-mother, sister, half-sister, step sister, granddaughter, daughter, step daughter, step granddaughter and sister in law. Other sins which are pointed out to flee from include child sacrifices (v21), homosexuality (v22) and bestiality (v23). These terrible sins were common place in these other pagan lands.

These sins are the reason these other nations were driven out (v24-25). These sins are detestable to the Lord and the Lord does not change.

God’s people are warned to be different and resist these temptations or they will likewise be cast out (v26-28). Those who practice these sins are to be cut off from God’s people (v29-30).

Today many sexual sins are considered as acceptable in society but this chapter shows that they are serious and bring God’s wrath.