Topical Bible: Abomination to God: The Hire of a Whore and Price of a Dog, As a Consecrated Gift

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◄ Abomination to God: The Hire of a Whore and Price of a Dog, As a Consecrated Gift ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite religious practices, certain offerings were deemed unacceptable to God due to their associations with immoral or idolatrous activities. Among these are the "hire of a whore" and the "price of a dog," both of which are explicitly mentioned in the Mosaic Law as abominations when offered as consecrated gifts to the Lord.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for this prohibition is found in 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 fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God."

Hire of a Whore:

The "hire of a whore" refers to the earnings or wages obtained through prostitution. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prostitution was often linked with pagan religious practices, including temple prostitution, which was a form of ritualistic sex intended to invoke fertility and favor from the gods. The Israelites were commanded to remain distinct from such practices, and thus, any money earned through prostitution was considered tainted and unfit for offering to the holy God of Israel.

Price of a Dog:

The "price of a dog" is a more complex term, as it can be interpreted in a few ways. In the ancient world, "dog" was sometimes a derogatory term for male prostitutes, particularly those involved in pagan temple rituals. Thus, the "price of a dog" could refer to the earnings of a male prostitute. Alternatively, it could also refer to the sale price of an actual dog, which in some cultures was considered an unclean animal. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the underlying principle is that money obtained through immoral or ritually impure means was not acceptable as an offering to God.

Theological Implications:

The prohibition against offering the hire of a whore or the price of a dog underscores the importance of purity and integrity in worship. It reflects the broader biblical theme that God desires offerings that are not only materially valuable but also ethically and spiritually pure. This commandment serves as a reminder that the source of one's wealth and the means by which it is obtained are significant in the eyes of God.

Cultural Context:

In the cultural and religious milieu of the ancient Israelites, maintaining a clear distinction from the surrounding nations' idolatrous practices was crucial. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for the worship of Yahweh alone. This included adhering to strict guidelines regarding what could be offered in the temple, ensuring that their worship was not tainted by associations with idolatry or immorality.

Conclusion:

The prohibition against using the hire of a whore and the price of a dog as consecrated gifts highlights the biblical emphasis on holiness and the rejection of practices that compromise the sanctity of worship. This commandment reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for His people to live in a manner that honors Him, both in their personal conduct and in their communal worship.

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Deuteronomy 23:18
You shall not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD your God for any vow: for even both these are abomination to the LORD your God.
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