Why does God forbid "wages of a prostitute" in Deuteronomy 23:18? Setting the Scene - Israel is camped on the plains of Moab, receiving final instructions before entering the land (Deuteronomy 23). - God is shaping a nation that will reflect His holiness in a culture riddled with idolatry and ritual prostitution. Reading the Text Deuteronomy 23:18: “You must not bring the wages of a prostitute or the earnings of a dog into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God.” Key Terms - “Wages of a prostitute” – payment received for sexual services. - “Earnings of a dog” – a euphemism for male cult‐prostitute income. - “Detestable” – something morally repugnant to God, utterly incompatible with His nature (cf. Deuteronomy 12:31). Why the Prohibition? • Purity of Worship – God demanded unblemished offerings (Leviticus 22:20-25; Malachi 1:8). Money gained through sin would pollute the worship that should be pure (Hebrews 12:28). • Separation from Pagan Practices – Canaanite temples financed themselves through ritual prostitution (Hosea 4:13-14). Allowing such income in Yahweh’s sanctuary would blur all distinctions between true worship and idolatry (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). • Upholding God’s Design for Sexuality – Sexual intimacy is reserved for covenant marriage (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). When sex is commercialized, bodies made for God’s glory are exploited (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). God refuses to validate that distortion by accepting its profits. • Justice and Human Dignity – Prostitution often thrives on exploitation and economic desperation. Isaiah 1:13-17 shows God rejecting worship divorced from justice. He will not receive gifts that arise from human degradation. • Integrity of Vows – Vows were voluntary expressions of gratitude (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Funding a vow with immoral earnings empties it of sincerity. Worship cannot make sin respectable (Proverbs 21:27). Scripture Connections - Leviticus 19:29 – “Do not degrade your daughter...” - Proverbs 11:1 – “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD.” - Amos 5:21-23 – God rejects corrupted offerings. - 1 Timothy 1:9-10 – Sexual immorality listed among lawless deeds. - Revelation 21:27 – Nothing impure enters the New Jerusalem. Timeless Principles for Believers • God cares not only that we give, but how we gain what we give. • Holy worship cannot be funded by unholy means. • Our economic choices are spiritual choices; they either honor or dishonor God. • True devotion involves integrity from income to offering (Romans 12:1). Applying Today - Examine income sources and business practices; refuse to profit from what God forbids. - Repent of attempting to “balance” sin with generous giving. God desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). - Pursue purity—sexual, financial, and spiritual—so that every gift to the Lord reflects the character of the Giver Himself. |
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