“And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.”
This verse is part of the book of Leviticus, which is the third book of the Bible and contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus covers a wide range of topics, including instructions on sacrifices, ritual cleanliness, moral conduct, and social relationships.
In Leviticus 20:12, God addresses the issue of incestuous relationships, specifically the act of a man lying with his daughter-in-law. This refers to sexual relations between a man and his son’s wife. Such a relationship is considered immoral and forbidden in the Mosaic Law.
The punishment prescribed for this offense is severe: both the man and the daughter-in-law are to be put to death. This is an example of the death penalty being imposed for a specific transgression. The reason for this severe punishment is stated in the verse: they have wrought confusion. Incestuous relationships violate the proper order of family relationships and introduce confusion and disorder within the family structure.
The phrase “their blood shall be upon them” means that the responsibility and guilt for their actions rest solely on them. They bear the consequences of their immoral behavior, and their punishment is justly deserved.
It’s important to note that Leviticus contains numerous laws that were given specifically to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God. While the principles of moral conduct found in the Bible are timeless, the specific regulations and penalties mentioned in Leviticus were part of the Old Testament covenant and were fulfilled and superseded by the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
As Christians, we should consider the principles and moral teachings found in the Bible, understanding the cultural and historical context in which they were given. The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, provide additional guidance and understanding on how we are to live in accordance with God’s will in the present age.
Overall, Leviticus 20:12 reminds us of the seriousness of sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining proper family relationships. It emphasizes the need for obedience to God’s laws and the consequences that can arise from violating His commandments.
