Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.
The prohibition against bringing 'an abomination into thine house' extends the principle of total separation from idolatry into personal and domestic space. Your house becomes defiled by association with cursed objects. The warning 'lest thou be a cursed thing like it' shows that contamination works by contact—touching what God curses brings you under curse. The emphatic language 'utterly detest... utterly abhor' (shaqqets teshaqq'tsennu... ta'ev te'avennu) uses intensive verbal forms expressing extreme revulsion. This isn't mild disapproval but visceral rejection. The New Testament parallel is separation from works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) and avoiding all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); allowing sin dwelling-space defiles the temple.
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations of Israelite homes from Iron Age I-II rarely show pagan cultic objects, suggesting general compliance with this command. However, Judges 17-18 (Micah's idols) and prophetic denunciations of household idols (teraphim, Hosea 3:4) indicate recurring violations. Josiah's reform included removing pagan objects from private homes (2 Kings 23:24). The principle extended beyond physical idols—any cursed thing (devoted to destruction) brought judgment if taken (Achan, Joshua 7). This established the principle that God's people must maintain complete separation from anything God has cursed.
Questions for Reflection
What objects, media, or practices in your home might constitute spiritual 'abominations' that should be removed?
How does allowing sinful entertainment or influences into your home defile your family's spiritual atmosphere?
In what ways can you cultivate an attitude of 'utter detestation' toward sin rather than casual tolerance?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition against bringing 'an abomination into thine house' extends the principle of total separation from idolatry into personal and domestic space. Your house becomes defiled by association with cursed objects. The warning 'lest thou be a cursed thing like it' shows that contamination works by contact—touching what God curses brings you under curse. The emphatic language 'utterly detest... utterly abhor' (shaqqets teshaqq'tsennu... ta'ev te'avennu) uses intensive verbal forms expressing extreme revulsion. This isn't mild disapproval but visceral rejection. The New Testament parallel is separation from works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) and avoiding all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); allowing sin dwelling-space defiles the temple.