In the biblical context, "detestable things" refer to practices, objects, or behaviors that are abhorred by God and are often associated with idolatry, immorality, and impurity. The term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions and items that are contrary to the holiness and commandments of God.

Idolatry and Pagan Practices

One of the primary categories of detestable things in the Bible is idolatry. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations, which often included the worship of idols. In Deuteronomy 7:25-26 , God commands the Israelites, "You must burn up the 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 any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You must utterly detest and abhor it, for it is set apart for destruction."

The worship of false gods and the creation of idols are consistently condemned as detestable acts. In Ezekiel 8:10 , the prophet describes a vision of the temple filled with "all kinds of crawling creatures and detestable beasts, along with all the idols of the house of Israel." Such imagery underscores the severity of idolatry as a detestable practice in the eyes of God.

Moral and Ritual Impurities

Detestable things also encompass various moral and ritual impurities. 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." These prohibitions are part of the holiness code given to the Israelites to set them apart from other nations.

Additionally, dietary laws in Leviticus 11 describe certain animals as detestable and unclean, prohibiting their consumption. Leviticus 11:10-11 declares, "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."

Social Injustices and False Worship

The prophets frequently denounce social injustices and false worship as detestable to God. In Isaiah 1:13-14 , God expresses His disdain for insincere religious practices: "Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts; they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them."

Similarly, Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors that are detestable to God, including "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers."

Conclusion

The concept of detestable things in the Bible serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the call for His people to live in obedience and purity. These prohibitions and warnings are intended to guide believers away from practices that lead to spiritual corruption and separation from God.