Digging Deeper – Since it is Written

Peter strengthens the force of his exhortation by employing Scripture (something he does frequently throughout his epistle). Here, he quotes the book of Leviticus, where the phrase “you shall be holy, for I am holy” is used five times to conclude various laws and prohibitions given to the Israelites. The frequency of this phrase alone highlights its importance, as it is repeatedly brought to the reader’s attention. Moreover, it sets the tone for every command in the Levitical code—these ordinances are rooted in the character of God and will distinguish His people as belonging to Him.

Let’s look, for example, at Leviticus 19:1-2: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘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.’” This functions as a sort of preamble to the following laws. On one hand, the statement provides a simple rationale, answering the “why” as succinctly as possible. On the other hand, it is replete with authority, offering the “because.” No further explanation is needed; the reason is sufficient. This is what Peter is conveying when he echoes these words in verse 16: We are to imitate His holiness because we belong to Him. Therefore, we, “like obedient children,” ought to show ourselves as His followers by our conduct. It was true when God spoke it through Moses long ago, it was true when Peter repeated it in his epistle, and it is true for us today.