What the Bible says about Way of the Heathen
(From Forerunner Commentary)
This was Israel's great sin, typified as prostitution: debasing themselves and God through the adoption and practice of the way of the heathen, and rejecting the way, providence, and sovereignty of God for something far inferior, corrupting, and shameful.
In the midst of His law, God warns Israel—and thus us as the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16)—that to do things as the heathens do them constitutes harlotry. His terminology is in His instructions to Israel in Leviticus 20:2-8 is extremely clear.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Beast and Babylon (Part Nine): Babylon the GreatRelated Topics: Harlotry | Israel as Harlot | Israel as Prostitute | Israel of God | Prostitution | Way of the Heathen
Israel vigorously pursued relationships with foreign cultures because she thought she saw a way to benefit from them. However, those who prostitute themselves become entangled in a web of greed and deceit that obscures realities essential to a clear understanding of what is really happening. Eventually, though, alienation occurs, as it did with Amnon in his lustful, one-sided relationship with his half-sister, Tamar (II Samuel 13:1-15). But it was too late. The dirty deeds had been done, and the painful penalties began to be exacted.
Like Gomer in Hosea, Israel prostitutes herself before her lovers/idols, who seem to promise much without demanding as much as God seems to require. She is pictured as throwing herself at what she thinks is easy gain—a quick profit without the hard work.
Israel has followed the pagan prostitutes' habits. Hosea saw this and declares in Hosea 9:1, "You have been unfaithful to your God; you love the wages of a prostitute" (NIV). Here, clearly stated, is cause and effect. As a whole, Israel loves the way of the heathen; she has made it hers.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Beast and Babylon (Part Nine): Babylon the GreatRelated Topics: Amnon and Tamar | Consequences of Lust | Consequences of sin | Gomer | Israel as Harlot | Israel as Prostitute | Israel as Whore | Israel's Unfaithfulness | Way of the Heathen