201 Then the Lord spoke to Moses , saying , 2 "You shall also say to the sons of Israel : 'Any man from the sons of Israel or from the aliens sojourning in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech , shall surely be put to death ; the people of the land shall stone him with stones . 3 'I will also set My face against that man and will cut him off from among his people , because he has given some of his offspring to Molech , so as to defile My sanctuary and to profane My holy name . 4 'If the people of the land , however, should ever disregard e that man when he gives any of his offspring to Molech , so as not to put him to death , 5 then I Myself will set My face against that man and against his family , and I will cut off from among their people both him and all those who play the harlot after him, by playing the harlot after Molech . 6 'As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists , to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people . 7 'You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy , for I am the Lord your God . 8 ' You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 9 ' If there is anyone who curses his father or his mother , he shall surely be put to death ; he has cursed his father or his mother , his bloodguiltiness is upon him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 20:1-9
Commentary on Leviticus 20:1-9
(Read Leviticus 20:1-9)
Are we shocked at the unnatural cruelty of the ancient idolaters in sacrificing their children? We may justly be so. But are there not very many parents, who, by bad teaching and wicked examples, and by the mysteries of iniquity which they show their children, devote them to the service of Satan, and forward their everlasting ruin, in a manner even more to be lamented? What an account must such parents render to God, and what a meeting will they have with their children at the day of judgment! On the other hand, let children remember that he who cursed father or mother was surely put to death. This law Christ confirmed. Laws which were made before are repeated, and penalties annexed to them. If men will not avoid evil practices, because the law has made these practices sin, and it is right that we go on that principle, surely they should avoid them when the law has made them death, from a principle of self-preservation. In the midst of these laws comes in a general charge, Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy. It is the Lord that sanctifies, and his work will be done, though it be difficult. Yet his grace is so far from doing away our endeavours, that it strongly encourages them. Work out your salvation, for it is God that worketh in you.