In biblical times, houses of prostitutes, often referred to as brothels, were places where individuals engaged in sexual immorality, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible provides several references to such establishments, highlighting the moral and spiritual dangers associated with them.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of prostitution and the associated establishments. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prostitution was often linked to pagan worship practices. For instance, temple prostitution was a common practice among the Canaanites, where sexual acts were performed as part of religious rituals. The Israelites were sternly warned against adopting such practices. In Deuteronomy 23:17-18 , it is written: "No daughter or son of Israel is to be a cult prostitute. 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."

The account of Rahab, a prostitute living in Jericho, provides a notable example of a house of prostitution. Rahab's house was situated on the city wall, and she is described as a harlot in Joshua 2:1 : "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there." Despite her profession, Rahab's faith and actions led to her being spared during the conquest of Jericho and being included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Wisdom Literature

The book of Proverbs offers numerous warnings against visiting houses of prostitutes, emphasizing the moral and spiritual peril involved. Proverbs 7:6-27 vividly describes the seductive nature of a prostitute and the destructive consequences of succumbing to such temptation. Verses 24-27 warn: "Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the early Christian community is urged to maintain sexual purity and avoid any association with sexual immorality, including prostitution. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to flee from sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 , Paul writes: "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, 'The two will become one flesh.' But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Throughout Scripture, houses of prostitutes are depicted as places of sin and moral decay. They are often associated with idolatry, spiritual unfaithfulness, and societal corruption. The Bible consistently calls believers to a higher standard of holiness and purity, urging them to avoid such places and practices. The call to holiness is a recurring theme, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 : "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."

In summary, houses of prostitutes in the biblical narrative serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments and the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral integrity.