Definition: Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Leviticus. It’s a really significant statement about God's relationship with humanity and what it means to be a “rightful” member of his community. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that if you follow God’s laws precisely, you will live a life of righteousness and honor. It’s a declaration of a covenant – a promise and agreement – between God and the Israelites (and, by extension, all humanity). Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Leviticus 18:5” : This refers to a specific section of the Old Testament book of Leviticus. It’s a part that focuses on rules about what is considered “good” and “bad” behavior in terms of worship and holiness. “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments:” This is a command – a rule to follow. "Keep my statutes" means obey God’s laws and commandments as outlined in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). “My judgments” refers to consequences for breaking those laws. “Which if a man do, he shall live in them:” This is the core message. It’s saying that if you consistently follow these laws, you will be living a life with God's blessing and protection. It’s about living according to God's will. “I [am] the LORD.” This is the crucial part. The word "I" is a definite pronoun – it emphasizes that God is speaking. This isn't just saying “I am good” or “I want you to be happy.” It’s declaring that God himself is the law, and therefore, the authority for what is right and wrong. What does this mean practically? The verse essentially means: "God has established a set of rules – laws – that are essential for a righteous life. If you follow these rules diligently, you will be blessed and protected by God.” It’s about living in harmony with God's will – being just, loving, and compassionate. Important Context: This verse comes before a series of other laws and commandments, all working together to create a complete set of guidelines for how to live as a righteous people. It was a key part of the covenant established between God and Israel. --- In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God's authority and the importance of living in accordance with his laws. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus? Discuss the significance of this verse within Jewish tradition? Compare it to other examples of divine law in the Bible?