I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Leviticus 19-21.

As I read today’s passage I noticed that every couple of verses the writer includes the phrase, “I am the Lord your God”.  As the passage continues, he includes two variations.  Considering that most people would have learned these by hearing them recited (either from memory or by someone reading it to them as part of a group) both this phrase and the fact that it varies make it easier to remain focused on what is being read.  The first variation, “I am the Lord”, seems to be there just to provide variety. 

The second seems designed to remind us that God will hold us accountable even when our fellow man cannot or will not: “Fear your God. I am the Lord.”   The first time this variation appears it comes right after warning against insulting the deaf or causing the blind to stumble (both instances of taking advantage of someone’s disabilities for your own amusement).  Right after this variation is the warning against favoring the poor or the rich.  The next time it occurs is right after telling us to respect the aged and before telling us not to take advantage of those without connections living among us (foreigners).  I am not sure that this was intended to bring these commands into special focus, because I think that most of the commands in chapter 19 contain variations of treating others with respect and concern.