This chapter, as chapter18 , concludes with an exhortation and warnings to obey God"s ordinances. In view of Israel"s unique vocation in the world, the nation was to live differently from other peoples. The Israelites would possess the Promised Land to the extent that they maintained their holiness. [source][source][source]
No matter how lightly the Israelites may have regarded the type of conduct reflected in this chapter, in God"s sight it constituted serious sin and deserved the severest punishment. [source][source][source]
"This theme runs through chs11-20: the elect people of God must visibly embody the character of God. In their choice of food, in sickness and in health, in their family life, in their honest and upright dealing, and in their love of neighbor, they show the world what God is like." [1][source]
"God"s people must avoid the world"s false religious systems and immoral practices and follow after the LORD"s holy plan." [2][source]