Not to offer animals bought with the wages of a harlot or the animal exchanged for a dog
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to offer as sacrifices animals acquired through immoral earnings or improper exchange.
This mitzvah prohibits bringing as offerings any animal purchased with the wages of a harlot or received in exchange for a dog. The Torah labels these sources of acquisition as degrading and abominable, and therefore unfit to become sanctified for Hashem’s service.
Rambam explains that Hashem’s altar must be free of any association with corruption or immorality. Sefer HaChinuch teaches that sacrifices symbolize a person’s devotion, and thus cannot come from disgraceful or impure origins. Ramban adds that this mitzvah elevates the sanctity of the Mizbeach by requiring not only perfect animals, but also pure sources of acquisition.
The Talmud clarifies which cases fall under this prohibition, including whether other types of wages or exchanges are invalid. These laws emphasize that holiness must be complete, extending beyond the animal’s body to its origins.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 4:18): Rules that such animals are invalid for offerings, even if otherwise perfect.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 571): Explains that Hashem’s service must come from purity and dignity, not disgrace.
- Rashi (Deut. 23:19): Notes that both the harlot’s wage and dog’s exchange are termed “abomination,” underscoring their unworthiness.
- Talmud (Temurah 30a; Bekhorot 15a): Discusses which transactions invalidate an animal and how the prohibition applies.
- Ramban: Teaches that Hashem demands elevated offerings; unworthy acquisitions undermine sanctity at its root.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 571) explains that sacrifices represent holiness and devotion. Animals from shameful origins contradict this ideal, desecrating Hashem’s sanctity.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam teaches that the Mikdash must be guarded against disgrace. Animals from harlotry or impure exchanges cannot enter its sanctified service.
Mizbeach – מִזְבֵּחַ
- Rashi (Deut. 23:19) emphasizes that the Mizbeach must never be associated with abomination. Such offerings degrade its sanctity and purpose.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Temurah 30a) outlines how improper acquisitions disqualify sacrifices, teaching that korbanot must symbolize purity of devotion, not corruption.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Ramban explains that reverence for Hashem requires avoiding disgraceful associations. Only offerings that reflect awe and honor may reach the altar.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- This law applies universally, ensuring no one circumvents the sanctity of korbanot by substituting animals from unworthy transactions. Divine justice demands purity.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- The mitzvah ensures that communal worship remains honorable, preventing the degradation of Temple service by unworthy offerings from any source.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah underscores that worship must reflect purity in every aspect. Service to Hashem cannot come from disgraceful origins, preserving the covenant’s sanctity.
