“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.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), and it contains Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This particular verse is found within a section that deals with various laws and regulations concerning the people of Israel.
The Prohibition: Deuteronomy 23:18 prohibits bringing the hire of a prostitute or the price of a male prostitute (referred to as a “dog” in this context) into the house of the Lord for any vow. This verse emphasizes the sanctity and holiness of the house of the Lord and the importance of maintaining purity and righteousness in worship.
The Reasoning: The reason behind this prohibition is that both the hire of a prostitute and the price of a male prostitute are considered abominations to the Lord. The mention of “dog” as a term for a male prostitute likely refers to the practice of bestiality associated with pagan religious rites in the ancient Near East. God desires His people to worship Him in a manner that reflects purity, obedience, and separation from immoral practices and false gods.
Spiritual Application:
- Rejecting Immorality: This verse highlights God’s desire for His people to reject immorality and sexual sins. It emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. Christians are called to uphold moral standards in their personal lives and avoid practices that are contrary to God’s design for human sexuality.
- Honoring God in Worship: The verse also teaches us to approach worship with reverence and respect. We are to bring our offerings and vows to God with a sincere heart, free from the stains of sinful activities. God desires our worship to be pure and genuine, reflecting a life dedicated to Him.
- Holiness and Separation: The verse reminds believers of the need to separate themselves from practices and influences that are contrary to God’s commands. As followers of Christ, we are called to live a holy and set-apart life, different from the world around us. This includes avoiding any form of idolatry, immorality, or practices that dishonor God.
- Fulfillment in Christ: The New Testament brings a new understanding of purity and worship through Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law and established a new covenant. In the light of Christ’s sacrifice and the grace we receive through faith in Him, our approach to worship and purity is centered on the transformation of our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:18 emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity, rejecting immorality, and approaching worship with reverence. It calls believers to live a life of holiness, separated from practices and influences that dishonor God. Ultimately, this verse points to the need for a transformed heart and a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
