Leviticus 17-19

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (19:2).  God specifically said that the Israelites should not copy the behavior of the Egyptians or Canaanites, two groups whose cultures were familiar (18:3).  Certain sexual practices or religious rituals (like consulting a spiritual guide, 19:31) were probably considered “normal.”  Perhaps foreigners were mistreated in Egypt, and idols were common in Canaan. But Israel was called to be different (19:33, 19:4). 

Israel couldn’t afford to be guided by what felt “normal.” In their treatment of each other and devotion to God, they were to shine brightly as God’s people.