In the biblical context, the term "detestable thing" often refers to objects, practices, or behaviors that are abominable or repugnant to God. These are frequently associated with idolatry, pagan worship, and moral corruption. The Hebrew word often translated as "detestable" is "toebah," which conveys a sense of abhorrence or loathing.

Idolatry and Pagan Practices

The Old Testament frequently warns the Israelites against engaging in the detestable practices of the surrounding nations, particularly idolatry. In Deuteronomy 7:25-26 , God commands the Israelites to destroy the carved images of the nations they conquer: "You must burn up the carved images of their gods. Do not covet the silver or gold that is on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. And you must not bring an abomination into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction."

The worship of false gods and the associated rituals are consistently labeled as detestable. In 2 Kings 23:13 , King Josiah is commended for destroying the high places that Solomon had built for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom, which were considered detestable: "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites."

Moral and Ethical Violations

Beyond idolatry, the term "detestable" is also applied to various moral and ethical violations. Leviticus 18 outlines numerous sexual practices that are considered detestable, including incest, adultery, and homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination."

Dishonest practices in business are also labeled as detestable. Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in all dealings.

Dietary Laws

Certain dietary restrictions in the Mosaic Law are described as detestable. Leviticus 11 provides a list of animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat, labeling them as unclean and detestable. Leviticus 11:10-11 states, "But anything in the seas or rivers that does not have fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the water and all the other living creatures in the water, is detestable to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses."

Prophetic Condemnations

The prophets frequently condemned the detestable practices of Israel and Judah, calling the people to repentance. Ezekiel 8 provides a vivid depiction of the detestable things occurring in the temple, including idol worship and other abominations. Ezekiel 8:6 records God's words to the prophet: "Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing here, to drive Me far from My sanctuary? But you will see even greater abominations."

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not use the term "detestable" as frequently, it continues to emphasize the importance of holiness and the rejection of idolatry and immorality. In Revelation 21:8 , those who practice detestable things are warned of their fate: "But to the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."

In summary, "detestable things" in the Bible encompass a wide range of practices and objects that are offensive to God, primarily focusing on idolatry, moral corruption, and violations of divine law. The consistent biblical message is a call to holiness and separation from all that is detestable in the sight of the Lord.