Topical Bible: Abomination to God: Incest

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◄ Abomination to God: Incest ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context:
Incest, as defined in biblical terms, refers to sexual relations between individuals who are closely related by blood or marriage, which is considered a grave sin and an abomination to God. The Bible explicitly outlines various prohibited relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of family and the importance of maintaining moral purity.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 18:6-18 · This passage provides a comprehensive list of forbidden sexual relationships, emphasizing that such acts are detestable. The text begins with a general prohibition: "None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 18:6). The chapter continues to specify various familial relationships that are off-limits, including parents, siblings, grandchildren, aunts, and in-laws.

2. Leviticus 20:11-21 · This chapter reiterates the prohibitions against incestuous relationships and prescribes severe penalties for those who engage in them. For example, "If a man lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness. Both of them must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them" (Leviticus 20:11). The passage underscores the seriousness with which God views these transgressions.

3. Deuteronomy 27:20-23 · In this passage, a series of curses are pronounced upon those who engage in incestuous acts. The text states, "Cursed is he who sleeps with his father's wife, for he has violated his father's marriage bed" (Deuteronomy 27:20), highlighting the moral and spiritual consequences of such actions.

4. 2 Samuel 13:1-22 · The narrative of Amnon and Tamar provides a poignant example of the destructive nature of incest. Amnon's illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar leads to her violation and subsequent disgrace, resulting in familial strife and tragedy. This account illustrates the personal and communal devastation that can arise from incestuous behavior.

5. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 · In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses a case of incest within the Corinthian church, expressing shock and disapproval: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father's wife" (1 Corinthians 5:1). Paul instructs the church to take disciplinary action, reflecting the continued abhorrence of incest in the early Christian community.

Theological Implications:
Incest is considered an abomination because it violates the divine order established by God for human relationships. It disrupts the family structure, which is intended to be a reflection of God's covenantal love and faithfulness. The prohibitions against incest serve to protect the integrity of the family unit and to uphold the holiness that God desires for His people.

Cultural and Historical Considerations:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, incest was often associated with pagan practices and was sometimes used to consolidate power within royal families. However, the biblical injunctions against incest set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations, emphasizing their call to be a holy people dedicated to God. The strict prohibitions and severe penalties reflect the importance of maintaining purity and the distinct identity of the covenant community.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 18:6-18
None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ninth Commandment
... Lying lips are abomination to the Lord.' Proverbs 12:22 ... acknowledge this to be a
great mercy before God. ... Christians were falsely accused for incest, and killing ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

Chapter xliii
... of character since his sin of incest, unwittingly committed ... into utterance in the
brief but touching: "God be gracious ... for that would be an abomination to the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

Satan's Devices
... an unhappy person, who had committed such incest, as was ... how often he has bid you,
"curse God and die ... made to believe your prayers were an abomination to the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

Epistle i. To Donatus.
... recollection and increasing gratitude to God, you will ... old horrors [2119] of parricide
and incest are unfolded ... authority for the enticing abomination, that the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle i to donatus.htm

In Judaea
... the "daughter of Edom"the city of abomination and blasphemy ... except those in regard
to idolatry, incest, and murder ... Mishael, and Azarias, let your God come, and ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... and if you bring offerings of fine flour, [and] incense, it is an abomination to
me ... now notice the kind of things that were taught by the prophets as from God. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

The Mystery
... is, they have not contaminated themselves with idolatrous incest. ... They have changed
the truth of God into a ... also ver.27, "that worketh abomination and maketh a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm