LEVITICUS 19

VARIOUS LAWS FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING 

God gives a variety of laws about treating others fairly, caring for the poor, and living set apart as His people. In verse 9, God tells the Israelites not to gather their entire harvest so that those in need can collect what is left. This law later becomes a source of hope for Ruth and Naomi in Ruth 2, where Boaz faithfully follows the law and shows generosity to Ruth.

This chapter also includes the famous command to love your neighbor as yourself, which Jesus later quotes in Matthew 22:39 as one of the two greatest commandments. While God cares about behavior, He ultimately desires hearts that are shaped by love.

Leviticus 19:2 - Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”