What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 23:17? No The opening word slams the door on any wiggle room. God does not leave this as a suggestion; it is an absolute prohibition. • Exodus 20:3 declares, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” showing that God often begins with a firm “no” to set His people apart. • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reminds, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” The consistent pattern is clear—where idolatry and immorality threaten covenant purity, God’s first word is a categorical refusal. daughter or son By naming both genders, the Lord makes certain that no loophole exists. Everyone in the covenant community is accountable. • Genesis 1:27 notes that God created “male and female” in His image, giving both inherent dignity and responsibility. • 2 Kings 23:7 records Josiah’s reforms, where he “pulled down the houses of the male shrine prostitutes,” proving the problem was real for men as well as women. • 1 Peter 1:16 exhorts every believer, “Be holy, because I am holy,” leaving no one exempt. of Israel The command targets those who carry God’s name. Identity precedes behavior: covenant people must live covenant lives. • Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “You are a people holy to the LORD your God,” underscoring the special calling of Israel. • 1 Peter 2:9 applies the same principle to believers today: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood… that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you.” Holiness is family likeness. is to be God addresses not merely actions but status and lifestyle. Becoming something contrary to God’s design is off-limits. • 1 Corinthians 6:15–16 warns that believers’ bodies are “members of Christ” and must not be united with prostitution. • Ephesians 5:3 commands, “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,” spotlighting identity over occasional conduct. a shrine prostitute The practice combined sex with pagan worship, striking at the heart of fidelity to God. • Leviticus 19:29 cautions, “Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land fall into prostitution and wickedness.” • Hosea 4:14 laments, “They consult a wooden idol… therefore the people without understanding will come to ruin.” • 1 Kings 14:24 notes, “There were also male shrine prostitutes in the land,” linking the practice to widespread apostasy. God forbids it because it entangles souls in idolatry, perverts sexuality, and desecrates His covenant sanctuary. summary Deuteronomy 23:17 is a crystal-clear call for God’s people to reject every form of idolatrous sexual practice. By addressing both daughters and sons of Israel, the verse stresses universal accountability. Our identity as a holy people leaves no room for lifestyles that merge worship with immorality. God’s “no” protects His glory, our purity, and the covenant relationship He has graciously established. |
    |