Lecture Notes: Abominations Unto the Lord

Introduction

• Program: Fountain of Israel's Bible Studies
• Series: Tanakh Only (Old Testament only)
• Lesson Title: Abominations Unto the Lord
• Objective: Understanding what the Most High considers as abominations according to the Old Testament

Key Points of Discussion

What Are Abominations?

• Multiple topics considered as abominations
• Focus on three major themes:
  • Food
  • Idolatry
  • Adultery

Scriptural References

Exodus 8

• Verse 23: Distinction between God's people and others
• Verse 25-27: Moses explains the need for proper conduct in worshipping God, avoiding abominable practices of Egyptians

Leviticus 7

• Verses 7-20: Specific instructions on offerings (sin, trespass, peace offerings)
• Key Idea: Abominations occur if offerings aren't made as prescribed

Leviticus 11

• Verses 10-12, 13, 20: Dietary laws; certain creatures considered abominable (e.g., those without fins and scales, certain birds)
• Verses 41-42: Prohibition of eating creeping things

Leviticus 18

• Verses 20-29: Prohibitions on sexual immorality (adultery, bestiality) and child sacrifice
• Theme: These acts defile individuals and the land

Deuteronomy 17 & 18

• Chapter 17: Prohibition against sacrifices of blemished animals
• Chapter 18, Verses 9-14: Prohibitions on pagan practices (witchcraft, divination)

Consequences of Abominations

• God's anger and judgment on those who perform abominations
• Historical examples of Israel's punishment due to these practices

Examples from Kings and Chronicles

1 Kings 11

• Solomon’s Idolatry: Led astray by foreign wives, built high places for other gods

2 Kings 21

• King Manasseh: Reintroduced idolatrous practices; did more evil than nations God displaced

Ezra 9

• Israel's Intermarriages: Failure to separate from the abominable practices of other nations

Reflecting on the Role of Leaders

• Leaders and priests sometimes chief in leading people into abominations
• Importance of godly leadership in maintaining the community's spiritual purity

Conclusion

Big Three Abominations Recap

• Food: Dietary laws from Leviticus 11
• Idolatry: Worship of other gods and related practices
• Adultery: Sexual immorality as serious transgression

Final Encouragement

• Encouragement to avoid abominations and adhere to God's laws to avoid divine wrath
• Understanding one's responsibility in maintaining personal and communal holiness