The term "Sodomites" is derived from the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, was destroyed by divine judgment due to its inhabitants' grievous sins. The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in Genesis 18-19, where the city's moral depravity is highlighted. The term "Sodomite" has historically been used to describe individuals, particularly males, who engage in homosexual acts, reflecting the perceived sins of Sodom.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 19:4-5 : "Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house. They called out to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!'" This passage is often cited as evidence of the sexual immorality prevalent in Sodom, specifically highlighting homosexual behavior.

2. Leviticus 18:22 : "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This verse is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines various prohibitions for the Israelites, including the prohibition of male homosexual acts, which are often associated with the practices of the Sodomites.

3. Deuteronomy 23:17 : "No daughter or son of Israel is to be a cult prostitute." The Hebrew term translated as "cult prostitute" is sometimes rendered as "Sodomite" in older translations, indicating male temple prostitution, which was considered an abomination and linked to the practices condemned in Sodom.

4. 1 Kings 14:24 : "There were also male shrine prostitutes in the land; they imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." This verse describes the presence of male shrine prostitutes, often associated with the term "Sodomites," and their practices, which were condemned as abominations.

5. Romans 1:26-27 : "For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." The Apostle Paul references same-sex relations as contrary to God's design, echoing the moral judgments associated with Sodom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were infamous for their wickedness, which included sexual immorality and social injustice. The destruction of these cities served as a powerful symbol of divine judgment against sin. The term "Sodomite" became synonymous with those who engaged in practices considered abhorrent by biblical standards, particularly male homosexual acts.

Throughout history, the interpretation of the term "Sodomite" has been influenced by cultural and theological perspectives. In conservative Christian thought, the term is often used to underscore the biblical condemnation of homosexual behavior, drawing from the narrative of Sodom as a cautionary tale of moral decline and divine retribution.

Theological Implications:

The use of the term "Sodomite" in Scripture and its application to males engaging in homosexual acts reflects a broader biblical theme of holiness and the call to live according to God's design. The narrative of Sodom serves as a warning against deviating from divine commandments and highlights the consequences of such actions. The biblical texts emphasize the importance of adhering to God's moral standards, as outlined in the Law and reiterated in the New Testament, as a reflection of faithfulness to the covenant relationship with God.Deuteronomy 23:17
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
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Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... of God; but others do not look like him, therefore they are called Sodomites. ... This
done, he applied himself again to Evangelist, in words and sense as follows ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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