Topical Bible: Whore: Revenues of, not to be Brought to the Sanctuary

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In the biblical context, the term "whore" refers to a woman engaged in sexual immorality, often associated with prostitution. The revenues or earnings from such activities are explicitly addressed in the Scriptures, particularly concerning their use in religious offerings and the sanctuary.

Biblical Prohibition

The Mosaic Law provides clear instructions regarding the offerings brought to the sanctuary, emphasizing the sanctity and purity required in worship. In Deuteronomy 23:18, the Berean Standard Bible states: "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." This verse categorically prohibits the use of money earned through prostitution as offerings in the house of the Lord.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The prohibition against bringing the earnings of a prostitute into the sanctuary underscores the importance of holiness and purity in worship. The sanctuary, as the dwelling place of God among His people, required offerings that were free from moral corruption. The earnings from prostitution, considered a form of sexual immorality, were seen as incompatible with the sacredness of the offerings meant to honor God.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temple prostitution was a common practice, often associated with pagan worship. The Israelites were called to be distinct from surrounding nations, adhering to a standard of holiness that reflected their covenant relationship with God. By forbidding the use of such earnings in the sanctuary, the Israelites were reminded of their unique identity and the call to worship God in spirit and truth.

Theological Significance

The commandment in Deuteronomy highlights the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their economic dealings and religious practices. The rejection of revenues from prostitution as acceptable offerings serves as a reminder of the need for integrity and purity in one's relationship with God.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, this principle extends beyond the literal interpretation to encompass the broader idea of ensuring that all aspects of one's life, including financial dealings, align with God's standards of righteousness. It serves as a call to examine the sources of one's income and the intentions behind offerings made to God, ensuring they are pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

Nave's Topical Index

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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Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... with a reference to the localities whore certain parts ... midst of a size proportionate
to their slender revenues. ... the rulers of the world, they had not, like the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief brought from Nimroud ... strongholds, or, when they
did not demolish them ... The revenues gleaned from these conquests would swell the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... very way that leadeth to hell and damnation, what things so horrible! But
Mr. Badman was not by his parents so brought up. ATTEN. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... It was not that that made him afterwards submit himself unto him; for that would
have kept him from not departing from him, or else have brought him to him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... that in short time he will have brought his church ... and destructive to kings, and
a diminisher of their revenues. ... She is not for meddling with anything that is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm