From the beginning of chapter 18 through the end of Leviticus, I’ve counted 49 instances where the LORD says, “I, the LORD, am holy,” or “I am the LORD your God,” or simply, “I am the LORD.” You can count them for yourself and see if I’m right.

Remember, this is not simply law, but covenant: the LORD has claimed Israel, rescued them, committed to being their God, and promised them an inheritance. These statutes are God’s call to be distinct from all other nations, set apart as His people. It was to be a focused, disciplined, Yahweh-centric existence – hearkening back to the very first command on Sinai: you shall have no other gods before Me.

This is highlighted several ways in today’s reading. First, chapter 17 begins with the very specific place that a sacrifice is to be offered: at the entrance of the tent of meeting, or the Tabernacle. Just as sacrifices were not simply to be dropped off for the priest to handle, nor could they be conducted anywhere someone pleased. This follows the same pattern of intentionality we’ve seen throughout all of God’s statutes. The details matter. Listen to which details get repeated or restated, both here and in the next section on eating blood.

Commands regarding sexual relations in chapter 18 are set against the practices of their past and future homes. “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you.” The LORD makes a connection between Israel and the land when He warns them: “…do none of these abominations…lest the land vomit you out when you make it unclean.” We’ll follow this warning as we watch Israel’s history unfold.

In chapter 19, the LORD lays out expectations for justice in the land. There are laws for leaving some of the harvest for the poor and sojourner, laws for not dealing falsely, laws for not oppressing your neighbor, laws for not showing deference either to rich or poor in court – and they all culminate with “I am the LORD.” He bookends these commands with reminders that “You shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”

Our verse for this week is Romans 5:6: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Leviticus 17 through 19. Now let’s read it!

Day 39 Guided Podcast