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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 23 - Verse 18

23:18
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Meaning

In this verse, the message is clear that God does not accept offerings that are tainted by sin or immorality. The mention of the hire of a whore and the price of a dog refers to money earned through sinful or unclean practices. This includes money obtained through prostitution or any other immoral means. The verse emphasizes the importance of bringing only pure and clean offerings to the house of the Lord. The use of the term "abomination" underscores the severity of bringing tainted offerings before God. By adhering to this commandment, believers are demonstrating their respect and reverence for God, ensuring that their worship is sincere and untainted by sin. It serves as a reminder to maintain purity and uphold righteousness in all aspects of life, including the way in which offerings are presented to the Lord.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is essential to understand the cultural context in which it was written. The prohibition on bringing the hire of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord was meant to uphold the sanctity of worship and the purity of offerings. In ancient times, both prostitution and the selling of dogs were associated with impurity and idolatry. By prohibiting these offerings, God was emphasizing the need for His people to come before Him with pure hearts and intentions. This verse serves as a reminder that our worship and sacrifices should be offered in sincerity and righteousness, without any taint of impurity or sin. It is a call to holiness and obedience to God's commands, ensuring that our offerings are pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

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