Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Leviticus 17:7
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute forever unto them throughout their generations.
7. he-goats ] satyrs, as R.V. mg., i.e. demons of the desert believed to take the shape of goats, like the satyrs of classical mythology. For the survival of Canaanitish rites, as practised by Israelites, cp. Exo 34:15-16; Isa 13:21; Isa 34:14; Isa 57:6 (with note in Camb. Bible), Isa 65:7.
go a whoring ] A frequent expression (e.g. Exo 34:15-16) for the worship of other gods.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 7. They shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils] They shall not sacrifice lasseirim, to the hairy ones, to goats. The famous heathen god, Pan, was represented as having the posteriors, horns, and ears of a goat; and the Mendesians, a people of Egypt, had a deity which they worshipped under this form. Herodotus says that all goats were worshipped in Egypt, but the he-goat particularly. It appears also that the different ape and monkey species were objects of superstitious worship; and from these sprang, not only Mendes and Jupiter Ammon, who was worshipped under the figure of a ram, but also Pan and the Sileni, with the innumerable herd of those imaginary beings, satyrs, dryads, hamadryads, c. c., all woodland gods, and held in veneration among the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
After whom they have gone a whoring.] Though this term is frequently used to express idolatry, yet we are not to suppose that it is not to be taken in a literal sense in many places in Scripture, even where it is used in connection with idolatrous acts of worship. It is well known that Baal-Peor and Ashtaroth were worshipped with unclean rites and that public prostitution formed a grand part of the worship of many deities among the Egyptians, Moabites, Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans. The great god of the two latter nations, Jupiter, was represented as the general corrupter of women and of Venus, Flora, Priapus, and others, it is needless to speak. That there was public prostitution in the patriarchal times, See Clarke on Ge 38:21. And that there was public prostitution of women to goats in Egypt, see Herodotus, lib. ii., c. 46, p. 108, edit. Gale, who gives a case of this abominable kind that took place in Egypt while he was in that country. See also many examples in Bochart, vol. ii., col. 641; and See Clarke on Le 20:16.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Unto devils; so they did, not directly or intentionally, but by construction and consequence, because the devil is the author of idolatry, and is eminently served, pleased, and honoured by it. And as the Egyptians were notorious for their idolatry, as appears by the testimony of Scripture, and of all ancient writers, so the Israelites were infected with their leaven, Jos 24:14; Eze 20:7; 23:2,3. And the name of devils is commonly given in Scripture to idols, yea, even to those which seemed most innocent, as to Jeroboams calves, 2Ch 11:15, by which he and the people designed and professed to worship the true God, as is manifest from the nature of the thing, and from many places of Scripture; and the worshippers of idols are esteemed and called worshippers of devils. See Deu 32:17; Psa 106:37; 1Co 10:20; Rev 9:20. The Hebrew word rendered devils signifies goats, either because goats were eminently worshipped by the Egyptians, as Herodotus, Strabo, and others note, and divers of the idols of the heathens were of that or a like form; or because the devil did oft appear to the heathens in that shape, as their own authors note.
After whom they have gone a whoring; for idolatry, especially in Gods people, is commonly called whoredom, as Eze 16:16,26; 23:8,19,21, &c., and that justly, because it is a violation of that covenant by which they were peculiarly betrothed or married to God. See Hos 2:18-20.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
7. they shall no more offer theirsacrifices unto devilsliterally, “goats.” Theprohibition evidently alludes to the worship of the hirei-footedkind, such as Pan, Faunus, and Saturn, whose recognized symbol was agoat. This was a form of idolatry enthusiastically practised by theEgyptians, particularly in the nome or province of Mendes. Pan wassupposed especially to preside over mountainous and desert regions,and it was while they were in the wilderness that the Israelites seemto have been powerfully influenced by a feeling to propitiate thisidol. Moreover, the ceremonies observed in this idolatrous worshipwere extremely licentious and obscene, and the gross impurity of therites gives great point and significance to the expression of Moses,”they have gone a-whoring.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils,…. As it seems they had done, which was monstrously shocking, and especially by a people that had the knowledge of the true God. Such shocking idolatry has been committed, and still is among the Indians, both East and West: when Columbus discovered Hispaniola, and entered it, he found the inhabitants worshippers of images they called Zemes, which were in the likeness of painted devils, which they took to be the mediators and messengers of the great God, the only one, eternal, omnipotent, and invisible a; and so at Calecut and Pego in the East Indies, and in other parts thereof, they sacrifice to the devil b: one can hardly think the Israelites would give into such gross idolatry as this; wherefore by “devils” may be meant idols in general; for if men do not worship God and Christ, let them worship what they will, it is only worshipping devils, 1Co 10:20; and so the calves of Jeroboam are called devils, 2Ch 11:15; hence the golden calf also, the Israelites worshipped but lately in the wilderness, might go by the same name; to which sense is the Targum of Jonathan,
“and they shall not offer again their sacrifices to idols, which are like to devils.”
The word here used signifies “goats”, and these creatures were worshipped by the Egyptians, and so might be by the Israelites, while among them; this is asserted by several writers. Diodorus Siculus says c, they deified the goat, as the Grecians did Priapus, and for the same reason; and that the Pans and the Satyrs were had in honour by men on the same account; and Herodotus d observes, that the Egyptians paint and engrave Pan as the Greeks do, with the face and thighs of a goat, and therefore do not kill a goat, because the Mendesians reckon Pan among the gods; and of the Mendesians he says, that they worship goats, and the he goats rather than the she goats; wherefore in the Egyptian language both Pan and a goat are called Mendes; and Strabo e reports of Mendes, that there Pan and the goat are worshipped: if these sort of creatures were worshipped by the Egyptians in the times of Moses, which is to be questioned, the Israelites might be supposed to have followed them in it; but if that be true, which Maimonides f says of the Zabii, a set of idolaters among the Chaldeans, and other people, long before the times of Moses, that some of them worshipped devils, whom they supposed to be in the form of goats, the Israelites might have given in to this idolatry from them, and be the occasion of this prohibition:
after whom they have gone a whoring; idolatry being a spiritual adultery, a forsaking God, who had taken them into a conjugal relation, and been as an husband to them, and cleaving to idols, which were as paramours; see Jer 31:32;
this shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations: not only this of not sacrificing to devils, but all before commanded, particularly that they should bring their sacrifices to the priest, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
a P. Martyr. de Angleria, Decad. 1. l. 9. b Vartoman. Navigat. l. 5. c. 2. 23. & 1. 6. c. 16. 27. c Bibliothec. l. 1. p. 58, 79. d Euterpe, sive, l. 2. c. 46. e Geograph. l. 17. p. 551. f Moreh Nevochim, p. 3. c. 46.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(7) And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils.The word (sirim) here translated devils, literally denotes hairy or shaggy goats, and then goat-like deities, or demons. The Egyptians, and other nations of antiquity, worshipped goats as gods. Not only was there a celebrated temple in Thmuis, the capital of the Mendesian Nomos in Lower Egypt, dedicated to the goat-image Pan, whom they called Mendes, and worshipped as the oracle, and as the fertilising principle in nature, but they erected statues of him everywhere. Hence the Pan, Silenus, satyrs, fauns, and the woodland gods among the Greeks and Romans; and hence, too, the goat-like form of the devil, with a tail, horns, and cloven feet, which obtain in medieval Christianity, and which may still be seen in some European cities. The terror which the devil, appearing in this Pan-like form, created among those who were thought to have seen him, has given rise to our expression panic. This is the form of idolatrous worship which the Jews brought with them from Egypt, and to which reference is continually made. (See Jos. 24:14; Eze. 20:7; Eze. 23:3, &c.; and especially 2Ch. 11:15.) The expression and they shall no more offer shows that the Israelites were hitherto in the habit of first dedicating their ordinary food to these deities; whilst the words gone a whoring indicate the orgies connected with this form of idol worship, It has been urged that the demand to offer up, in so confined a space as the entrance of the sanctuary, the domestic animals intended for the daily consumption of more than 600,000 people, imposed a task upon the people which it was impossible for them to carry out. Hence it has been urged that the injunction here (Lev. 17:2-7) must refer to sacrifices. But this difficulty arises from importing our modern notions into the ancient mode of living. The ancient Israelites, like the modem Orientals, especially the nomadic tribes, ate very little flesh meat apart from the seasons of sacrifice, which were the occasions of feasting. Besides, those who urge this difficulty ignore the fact that the injunction before us is restricted to the three kinds of animals; that none of the wild clean quadrupeds, as stags, roes, &c, nor any of the feathered tribes, as pigeons, turtle doves, &c, which formed an essential part of the daily diet, is here included; and that even the three kinds of sacrificial quadrupeds only come within this restriction when they are qualified by age, which was within two years, and by physical condition, which demanded that it should have no external defect, as blindness of one eye, lameness of one foot, &c., to be offered first to the Lord. Moreover, the injunction was only intended to operate temporarily, whilst the Jews sojourned and wandered about in the wilderness, where, besides the propensity to sacrifice these animals to idols, they would have been in danger of extirpating their most useful animals. The law was repealed when the Israelites entered the promised land. (Comp. Deu. 12:13-15.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
7. Devils The Hebrew seirim, literally, the shaggy ones, or goats, has a wonderful variety of renderings in the Authorized Version. See Lev 23:19, note. The Vulgate renders it daemones, and Luther “field devils;” the Seventy, , usually translated idols; but Schleusner here renders it demons, the Revised Version, “devils.” These were supposed by the Egyptians to inhabit the desert. The Israelites had brought this superstition out of Egypt, where goats were worshipped as gods, particularly Pan, the impersonation of the male principle in nature, under the name of Mendes. From these arose the innumerable herd of satyrs, fauns, and dryads which figure so largely in Grecian and Roman mythology.
Gone a whoring This strong metaphor for the practice of idolatry expresses Jehovah’s abhorrence of polytheistic rites celebrated by his people. As Jehovah by his covenant had married Israel, their worship of other gods was like the infidelities of a wife. Jer 3:1; Jer 3:14; Jas 4:4-5, R.V. But since most of the ancient idolatries were grossly licentious, the term whoring may be used in a sense not altogether figurative. See Num 14:33, note.
A statute forever Since there was a repeal of the laws relating to the place of killing animals for food, (see Lev 17:4, note,) the unchangeable statute must relate to the worship of demons and false gods. No command is more scrupulously kept by the Jews of to-day. The first sentence taught to every Hebrew child is the Shema Israel, “Hear, O Israel, Jehovah thy God is one God.” This safeguard against polytheism rings out in all their synagogues whenever the scroll of the law is taken from its sacred depository, every reading being prefaced by this loud proclamation.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Lev 17:7. They shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils The original word here rendered devils, is serim, which properly signifies goats, from their rough and shaggy hair: and it is well known, that some of the most ancient idolaters worshipped their false deities under the shape of a goat, which, in particular, was the living image of Mendes, the Egyptian Pan; and was the most ancient idol of the Egyptians. There can be no question, therefore, that the Israelites derived this idolatry from them; and though, perhaps, it would have been better to have rendered the original word, where it occurs, goats, yet, as the goats were symbols of idolatrous powers, they may in that sense, with propriety enough, be called devils: for it is the father of lies who is the author of idolatry, and whom the pagans adored without knowing it. Every school-boy knows the veneration which the heathen world in general paid to Pan; who, according to the Orphic philosophy, was a symbol of the universe, or of universal nature. But for the fullest satisfaction on this subject, I refer the reader to Jablonski’s Pantheon, B. ii. c. 7. where he will find a learned and accurate discussion of every thing which respects that vile god of the Egyptians.
Lev 17:8-9. Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers, &c. Not only the Israelites, as above, in Lev 17:3-4 but also strangers, are obliged by a law different from that before given: for here animals to be offered in sacrifice are treated of; such as it was needful to prevent from being offered to false gods in a clandestine manner without the camp, either by Israelites or strangers. Therefore it is decreed, that strangers should not be permitted to sacrifice without the tabernacle; not even to their gods, though without the camp, to prevent the contagion of such practices. In like manner, the Israelites were not to sacrifice without the court of the tabernacle, though to the true God; lest, under that pretext, they should conceal their idolatry. It is strange, says Houbigant, that interpreters have not seen that this law is different from that in Lev 17:3-4 and that animals destined for sacrifice are here meant; when the words burnt-offering and sacrifice so clearly determine it.
REFLECTIONS.Before the erection of the tabernacle, the Israelites had liberty to sacrifice where they chose; and this had opened the door to abominable idolatries. To prevent this spiritual adultery for the future, God having now espoused them to himself, and set up his abode among them, they are commanded to kill all their sacrifices at the door of the tabernacle, and no where else. Note; 1. As there is no access to, or acceptance with God, but through Jesus Christ, all our services must be brought to him to be presented before the Lord. 2. We should endeavour, as far as possible, consistently with mutual love, to maintain unity of worship; our unhappy variances are much to be lamented: while we are praying for their healing, let us endeavour to be drawing nearer to each other in love, which will be the readiest way to unite us, that with one mouth, as well as one heart, we may glorify God.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
It is probable, that Israel had acquired from long sojourning in Egypt the horrid custom of sacrificing to devils. The sacred writer gives a melancholy account of Israel on this occasion. Num 25:3 ; Deu 32:17 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Lev 17:7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
Ver. 7. Unto devils. ] a As they had done in Egypt. Eze 23:8 Deu 32:17 And as both Pagans and Papagans do. 1Co 10:20 Rev 9:20 The Americans in Canada worship the devil; who, when he is offended with them, flings dust in their eyes. At Calecutta, the chief city of Malabar, they worship Satan with flowers on his altars, and sacrifices of cocks. The Brahmins, or priests, wash his image, sitting in a fiery throne with three crowns and four horns, with sweet water every morning. The king of Calecutta eats no meat till it be first offered by his priests to this idol. When a man lies a dying, they show him the picture of the devil, that he may be the better acquainted with him in the other world. The word here rendered devils signifieth rough ones, satyrs. Isa 34:14 Satan is a rough, rugged, harsh spirit: and such also are his imps, as Esau, Ismael, &c.
a Synesius saith, the devil is , an idol lover.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
no more: implies that they had done so in Egypt to the goat image “Pan”. Compare Jos 24:14. Eze 20:7; Eze 23:3, &c, and especially 2Ch 11:15.
offer = slay in sacrifice. Hebrew zabach. App-43.
devils. Hebrew. sa’ir. (Only here and 2Ch 11:15, “devils”. In Isa 13:21; Isa 34:14 rendered “satyrs” = an imaginary demon: half-goat, half-man. Septuagint = demons:) from Hebrew root, meaning to shudder. From this “Pan” came the “satyrs”, “fauns”, and woodland gods of Greece and Rome, and also the “devil” of Christendom.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
unto devils: Deu 32:17, 2Ch 11:15, Psa 106:37, Joh 12:31, Joh 14:30, 1Co 10:20, 2Co 4:4, Eph 2:2, Rev 9:20
devils: Seirim, properly signifies hairy or hairy ones; and hence is used not only for he-goats, but also for some fabulous beings or sylvan gods, to whom was ascribed the form of goats. Maimonides says that the Zabian idolaters worshipped demons under the form of goats; and that this custom being spread among other nations, gave occasion to this precept. He-goats, however, are probably intended here, which were objects of divine honour among the Egyptians under the name of honour among the Egyptians under the name of Mendes. Herodotus says that all goats were worshipped in Egypt; but particularly he-goats. From these seem to have sprung Pan, Silenus, and the innumerable herd of those imaginary beings, fauns, satyrs, dryads, etc., all woodland gods, and held in veneration by the Greeks and Romans.
gone a whoring: Though this phrase is equivalent, in Scripture, to that of committing idolatry, yet it is to be taken sometimes in a literal sense. Baalpeor and Ashtaroth were worshipped with obscene rite; and public prostitution formed a great part of the worship among the Egyptians, Moabites, Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans. Lev 20:5, Exo 34:15, Deu 31:16, Jer 3:1, Eze 23:8, Rev 17:1-5
Reciprocal: Exo 28:43 – a statute Lev 3:17 – a perpetual Jos 24:14 – put Jdg 2:17 – whoring 2Ch 21:11 – fornication Psa 106:39 – went Eze 20:7 – defile Eze 23:3 – in Egypt Hos 4:12 – gone Amo 5:25 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Lev 17:7. Unto devils So they did, not directly or intentionally, but by construction and consequence, because the devil is the author of idolatry, and is eminently served and honoured by it. And as the Egyptians were notorious for their idolatry, so the Israelites were infected with their leaven, Jos 24:14; Eze 20:7; Eze 23:2-3. And some of them continued to practise the same in the wilderness, Amo 5:25-26,
compared with Deu 12:8. The Hebrew word which we render devils, , segnirim, properly signifies goats, from their rough and shaggy hair, and hence denotes those idols, probably deified dead men, who were worshipped under the symbol of goats. It is the same word that we translate satyrs, Isa 13:21. What gives light to so obscure a passage is what we read in Maimonides, that the Zabian idolaters worshipped demons under the figure of goats, imagining them to appear in that form, whence they called them by the name here mentioned, segnirim, or goats; and that this custom being general in Mosess time, gave occasion to this precept. After whom they have gone a whoring Idolatry, especially in Gods people, is commonly termed whoredom in Scripture, because it is a violation of that covenant by which they were peculiarly betrothed or married to God. And here the phrase has a peculiar propriety, and denotes their having worshipped those goats, or goat-like demons, with rites horribly impure, after the manner of the idolatrous pagans.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
17:7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto {e} devils, after whom they have gone a {f} whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
(e) Meaning, whatever is not the true God, 1Co 10:10, Psa 95:5.
(f) For idolatry is spiritual whoredom, because faith toward God is broken.