Definition: Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 18:26. It's a really important part of understanding the rules about what is considered acceptable and unacceptable in the Israelite community – essentially, what they were expected to avoid . Here’s a simple explanation: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:” Let's unpack each part: "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments..." – This is a clear instruction. It means we must follow the rules set by God. “Statutes” refers to laws, regulations, or guidelines. “Judgments” means decisions made by God based on those laws. Basically, it’s about obeying God's commands. "...and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:" – This is the core of the verse. It means absolutely no practice or behavior is allowed that goes against God’s rules. Let's break down the “abominations” part: “These abominations” : The Bible doesn't define exactly what these are, but it refers to things considered deeply wrong and unnatural by God. It's a broad category of practices that are seen as violating divine law. “[Neither] any of your own nation…” : This specifically includes people from Israel (the land they lived in). It’s about avoiding anything that is forbidden to them. “…nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:” This means anyone who isn't an Israeli – a traveler, immigrant, or anyone else living in the land – is forbidden from practicing these things. In short, this verse is saying that God has given specific rules and prohibitions against certain behaviors that are considered deeply sinful and unnatural. It’s a warning to stay away from anything that would upset God's perfect order. What does this have to do with us today? This verse is foundational to understanding the Old Testament, and it speaks about the importance of following God's law – which includes things like: Respect for others: Treating people justly and fairly. Honesty and integrity: Being truthful in our dealings. Family and community: Prioritizing relationships with family and neighbors. It’s a reminder that we are accountable to God, and it's crucial to live a life that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give examples of what might be considered an "abomination" according to biblical standards?