We are still in chapter 43 of Genesis with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. תּוֹעֵבָה abomination, abhorrence, detestable, something that causes horror and disgust in others, offensive. It is used 117 times in the Old Testament. I find interesting that the first three times our word is used in the Bible it is referring to cultural differences. Because Joseph knew this he was able to use this difference so his family could have the best part of the land. So Joseph instructs his family to reply in this way. Genesis 46:33-34 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are תוֹעֲבַ֥ת detestable to the Egyptians.” Later with Moses another cultural difference is referenced. Exodus 8:26 But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the Lord our God are an תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us? This is how our word is used in our chapter today. Genesis 43:32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an תוֹעֵבָ֥ה abomination to the Egyptians.
While it is important to understand cultural differences so that we do not become offensive to people who misunderstand us. It is of the greatest priority to understand what offends the almighty God. The good news is that God is not shy about what is detestable to him. So we are not left to guess on what pleases him and is required of us. Here are just a few verses. Leviticus 18:22 Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה detestable. Deuteronomy 12:31 You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of תּוֹעֲבַ֨ת detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. 1 Kings14:24 There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land; the people engaged in all the הַתּוֹעֲבֹ֣ת detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that areתּוֹעֲבוֹת detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is an תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 17:15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת detests them both. Ezekiel 22:11 One commits תּֽוֹעֵבָ֔ה abomination with his neighbor's wife; another lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; another in you violates his sister, his father's daughter. These and many other verses help us understand God’s character and what pleases Him. We desire to be like God not just because he is all powerful but also because of our relationship. God is our loving father who wants to protect us. The one who is for us and on our side is someone who is truly looking out for our best interests. I’ll close with God’s instruction to turn away from anything that would become an idol and separate us from him. Ezekiel 14:6 Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your תּוֹעֲבֹתֵיכֶ֖ם detestable practices!
