Let us begin with the scripture:<\/p>\n
\nDeuteronomy 23:18 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 “You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Understanding the Terms: “Prostitute” and “Dog”<\/h3>\n
In this verse, two forms of illicit income are mentioned:<\/p>\n
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The fee of a prostitute<\/strong>, referring to money earned through female prostitution.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The wages of a dog<\/strong>, a metaphor for a male prostitute<\/strong>. In ancient Hebrew context, the word \u201cdog\u201d<\/em> (Hebrew: keleb<\/em>) could be a derogatory term referring to male cult prostitutes, particularly those associated with pagan temple rituals (see also Strong\u2019s Concordance H3611).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This usage reflects both moral corruption<\/strong> and ritual impurity<\/strong>. Male prostitution, often practiced in pagan temples, was directly tied to idolatry and sexual perversion, which God forbade for Israel (see Leviticus 18:22<\/strong> and 1 Kings 14:24<\/strong>).<\/p>\n
\nLeviticus 18:22 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cYou shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n1 Kings 14:24 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c…there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
These male prostitutes were often linked to Canaanite fertility worship<\/strong> and were considered detestable because their acts directly opposed God\u2019s design for sexuality and worship.<\/p>\n
Why God Forbids These Offerings<\/h3>\n
God is holy, and His house must be kept holy. Offerings to God were to be from clean hands and pure hearts<\/strong> (see Psalm 24:3\u20134<\/strong>). God rejected not only sinful acts but also any proceeds gained through sin<\/strong>, especially sexual immorality tied to idolatry.<\/p>\n
\nProverbs 15:8 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThe sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
By forbidding the earnings of prostitution (both female and male), God emphasizes that the source of an offering matters<\/strong>. It is not enough to give to God\u2014how<\/strong> we live and how<\/strong> we earn matters deeply to Him.<\/p>\n
Holiness as the True Offering<\/h3>\n
Scripture teaches that holiness is the first and most important offering<\/strong> God seeks from us. Without repentance and sanctification, our gifts\u2014even generous ones\u2014are not pleasing to Him.<\/p>\n
\nRomans 12:1 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cI appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Jesus also reaffirmed this principle in the New Testament:<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 9:13 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cGo and learn what this means, \u2018I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.\u2019 For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In other words, God desires transformed lives more than outward religious acts.<\/p>\n
The Heart Behind the Offering<\/h3>\n
Jesus instructed believers to reconcile with others and come before God with sincerity, not hypocrisy:<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 5:23\u201324 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cSo if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This shows that God values right relationships<\/strong> and internal purity<\/strong> above ritual sacrifice.<\/p>\n
Final Judgment: Who Will Inherit Eternal Life?<\/h3>\n
Scripture warns that those who continue in willful sin, including sexual immorality and deceit, without repentance, will be excluded from the Kingdom of God<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
\nRevelation 22:14\u201315 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cBlessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The term \u201cdogs\u201d<\/em> here again refers to those living in moral and spiritual corruption\u2014those who have rejected God\u2019s path of holiness.<\/p>\n
\nSummary and Encouragement<\/h3>\n
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God forbids income from prostitution (male or female) from being used in offerings to Him.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Holiness and sincere repentance are what God desires more than material gifts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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We are called to live holy lives, offer ourselves to God, and repent from sin.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Those who persist in sin and refuse to repent are in danger of being excluded from eternal life.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
May we strive to live in holiness, offering ourselves fully to the Lord.<\/p>\n
Maranatha! (The Lord is coming.)<\/strong>
Please share this message with others so that they too may be edified.<\/em><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n