Leviticus 18:1 to Leviticus 19:19
The ordinances contained in these chapters have in view the practical holiness of the LORD’s people. They comprise mercy (v. 10), honesty and truth (vv. 11, 12), righteousness (vv. 13-15), goodwill and love (vv. 16-18). It is humbling to find the same warnings addressed to Christians in the Epistles, such as those to the Ephesians and the Colossians. This proves that the old nature in a child of God is no better than that in an Israelite in former times. "After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do", so begins ch. 18 before enumerating the defilements of the flesh that the LORD abominates. "This I say therefore . . .", the apostle Paul teaches the Ephesians, "that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind . . . who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." (Ephesians 4:17-19; comp. also vv. 25 and 28 with Leviticus 19:11). "Walk in love", concludes the apostle (Ephesians 5:2) and it is also the conclusion offered by v. 18: ". . . thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself". The Lord Jesus quoted this verse and illustrated it perfectly Himself. For this reason James calls it "the royal law" (that of the King) "according to the Scripture"! (Luke 10:28-37; James 2:8).