Book of Exodus - Chapter 34 - Verse 15

In this verse from the book of Exodus, the Lord is warning the Israelites about the dangers of forming alliances with people who do not worship Him. By making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land who worship other gods, the Israelites risk being led astray and turning away from the one true God. The act of participating in their sacrificial rituals can lead to the temptation of worshipping false gods and idols, which is strictly forbidden in the commandments given by God to His people. The Lord emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and loyal to Him alone, without being swayed or influenced by the practices of those who do not share the same beliefs. It serves as a reminder to always stay true to one's faith and not be led astray by the customs and beliefs of others.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of the passage. In this verse, God warns the Israelites against entering into agreements with the inhabitants of the land they were about to conquer. The concern is that forming alliances with these people would lead the Israelites to worship their false gods and engage in sacrificial practices that were contrary to the laws of God. This command reflects God's desire for His people to remain faithful to Him and to avoid being influenced by the pagan practices of the surrounding nations. The word "whoring" is used metaphorically here to emphasize the spiritual unfaithfulness that would result from entering into such agreements. By prohibiting these covenants, God seeks to protect His people from being led astray and to preserve their devotion to Him alone.