Earth’s End and God’s Glory

Prostitution is called the world’s oldest profession. Just as the act of prostitution trades the value of sex, which should be treasured in a marriage relationship, for the cheapness of money, the image or metaphor of prostitution is used to describe a person or institution that cheapens its value and resources for financial gain. Both literally and figuratively, prostitution exchanges something of value that should be protected for mere money.

The writers of the Old Testament use the prostitution metaphor to describe faithless Israel when she looked to the nations rather than the Lord for help in her crises (see Judges 2:17; Ps. 106:39; Isa. 1:21; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16:15–41; Hosea 4:15). Israel would woo other nations in order to gain their military partnerships or have their gods’ blessings, preferring foreign armies and deities to the blessing of her Husband, the Lord (see Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:20; Ezek. 16:32).

Isaiah also indicted Tyre as a whore for the nations (23:15–17). Successful, prosperous Tyre thought they could trust in their wealth and trading partnerships for security. They adopted a value system that prized financial rewards over righteousness, and profits over obedience. They would learn that money cannot buy security, forgiveness, or peace with God; nor can financial reserves be hoarded into eternity. The only lasting wealth comes from a relationship with the Lord (23:18).

The wail for Tyre is the lament for those who would prostitute themselves for status or financial gain. It is tempting to sacrifice our obedience to Jesus in order to seek approval from the right social group or to placate family members. We must beware the dangers of spiritual prostitution and remember that Christ alone must be exalted.

Pray with Us

Ken Heulitt, chief financial officer, would like to thank all Moody friends for your support. The Lord has been stretching us and testing our faith in the area of finances, but we know that He is a wonderful provider, and always faithful in all circumstances!

BY Dr. Eric C. Redmond

Dr. Eric C. Redmond serves as a professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and as associate pastor of adult ministries at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Ill. He is married to Pam and they have five children. He is the author of Say It!  Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition (Moody Publishers), Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's’ Questions about the Church (Crossway), a commentary on Jonah in the Christ-Centered Exposition Series (B&H Publishers), and a study guide on Ephesians in the Knowing the Bible series (Crossway).