2 Kings 23:7
2 Kings 23:7 in Multiple Translations
He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah.
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were in the house of Jehovah, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.
And he had the houses pulled down of those who were used for sex purposes in the house of the Lord, where women were making robes for the Asherah.
He also demolished the quarters of the cult prostitutes that were in the Lord's Temple, where the women used to weave tapestries for the Asherah pole.
And hee brake downe the houses of the Sodomites, that were in the house of the Lord, where the women woue hangings for the groue.
And he breaketh down the houses of the whoremongers that [are] in the house of Jehovah, where the women are weaving houses for the shrine.
He broke down the houses of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the LORD’s house, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.
And he broke down the houses of the sodomites that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
He destroyed also the pavilions of the effeminate, which were in the house of the Lord, for which the women wove as it were little dwellings for the grove.
He also destroyed the rooms in the temple where the temple male prostitutes lived. That was where women wove robes that were used to worship the goddess Asherah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 23:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֹּץ֙
אֶת
בָּתֵּ֣י
הַ/קְּדֵשִׁ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
יְהוָ֑ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
הַ/נָּשִׁ֗ים
אֹרְג֥וֹת
שָׁ֛ם
בָּתִּ֖ים
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָֽה
וַ/יִּתֹּץ֙
nâthats
H5422
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בָּתֵּ֣י
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp
הַ/קְּדֵשִׁ֔ים
qâdêsh
H6945
male cult prostitute
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הַ/נָּשִׁ֗ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fp
אֹרְג֥וֹת
ʼârag
H707
to weave
V-Qal
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בָּתִּ֖ים
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָֽה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:7
וַ/יִּתֹּץ֙
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.
Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּתֵּ֣י
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/קְּדֵשִׁ֔ים
qâdêsh
H6945
"male cult prostitute"
Art | Adj
A male cult prostitute was someone who practiced idolatry and immorality in the name of religion, like the ones condemned by the prophets. The Bible strongly condemns such practices, calling them unclean and sinful.
Definition: male temple prostitute
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sodomite, unclean. See also: Deuteronomy 23:18; 1 Kings 22:47; Job 36:14.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הַ/נָּשִׁ֗ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֹרְג֥וֹת
ʼârag
H707
"to weave"
V-Qal
This word means to weave or plait, and is used to describe everyday tasks like weaving cloth or braiding hair. It also has figurative meanings, such as intrigue or plotting.
Definition: 1) to weave 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weave (cloth) 1a2) to braid (Samson's hair) 1a3) weaver (subst.) 1a4) intrigue (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: weaver(-r). See also: Exodus 28:32; 2 Samuel 21:19; Isaiah 19:9.
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בָּתִּ֖ים
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָֽה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Prep | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 23:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
- Sermons on 2 Kings 23:7
Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry
5Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.
6He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people.
7He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah.
8Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate. 9Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 15:12 | He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 16:16 | You took some of your garments and made colorful high places for yourself, and on them you prostituted yourself. Such things should not have happened; never should they have occurred! |
| 3 | 1 Kings 14:24 | There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 4 | Exodus 35:25–26 | Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 8:14 | Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, weeping for Tammuz. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 34:33 | And Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required everyone in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers. |
| 7 | Hosea 2:13 | I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Genesis 19:4–5 | Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house. They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!” |
| 9 | 1 Kings 22:46 | He banished from the land the male shrine prostitutes who remained from the days of his father Asa. |
| 10 | Romans 1:26–27 | For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. |
2 Kings 23:7 Summary
This verse, 2 Kings 23:7, tells us about King Josiah's efforts to clean up the temple and get rid of the bad influences that had taken over. He tore down the living quarters of the male shrine prostitutes and got rid of the tapestries that the women had made for the idol Asherah. This shows us that God wants us to be pure and devoted to Him alone, as it says in Deuteronomy 6:13-15 and Matthew 22:37-38. Just like King Josiah, we should strive to remove any 'idols' or bad influences from our lives and focus on following God's commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes in the house of the LORD?
These quarters were likely areas where male shrine prostitutes, who were involved in idolatrous worship, lived or operated in the temple, as mentioned in 2 Kings 23:7, which is a result of the corruption and idolatry that had taken over the temple, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 8:7-18 and Deuteronomy 23:17-18.
What is the significance of the women weaving tapestries for Asherah?
The women weaving tapestries for Asherah indicates the deep involvement of the people, including women, in the idolatrous worship of Asherah, a pagan goddess, which is condemned in the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:21-22 and 2 Kings 13:6.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Kings 23?
This verse is part of King Josiah's reforms, as described in 2 Kings 23, where he works to purify the temple and the land from idolatry, reflecting his commitment to following the LORD, as commanded in Deuteronomy 12:1-3 and 2 Chronicles 34:3-7.
What can we learn from King Josiah's actions in this verse?
King Josiah's actions demonstrate his courage and commitment to following God's commands, even when it involves difficult and unpopular actions, which is a model for believers today, as encouraged in Joshua 1:7-9 and Matthew 5:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be allowing 'idolatrous' influences into my own life, and how can I 'tear them down' like King Josiah did?
- How can I, like King Josiah, demonstrate my commitment to following God's commands, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the influences and practices that I allow into my own 'temple', my body and mind, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
- What are some 'tapestry-like' patterns or habits in my life that may be indicative of idolatry or a lack of devotion to God, and how can I change them?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:7
And he brake down the houses of the Sodomites that were by the house of the Lord,.... Near the temple were apartments, in which men, the worshippers of idols, prostituted their bodies to each other;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:7
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
The houses of the sodomites; wherein some males prostituted their bodies to the lusts of others; which abominable practice was both a punishment of idolatry, ,24,27, and a part of idol worship, this being done to the honour of some of their idols, and by the appointment and instigation of those impure and diabolical spirits which were worshipped in their idols. See 15:12 22:46. Hangings, or curtains, either to draw before the idol or idols which were worshipped in the grove, to preserve them from defilement, or to gain more reverence for them; or which were set up in the grove, that the abominable filthiness last mentioned might be committed within them. Or, garments for the service of the grove, for the idols or the priests belonging to them. Heb. houses, i.e. either little chapels made of woven work, like those which were made of silver, ; within which there were some representations of their grove idols; or rather, tents made of those curtains for the use above mentioned. For the grove, or, for Asherah, an idol so called, as was noted before.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
2 Kings 23:7 And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that [were] by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.Ver. 7. The houses of the sodomites.] Abominable brothel houses. Where the women wove hangings.] Heb., Houses, aedicula, sacella textilia, as Acts 19:24. There were at Ephesus that made templa portabilia, small portable temples, resembling that greater temple.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
(7) The houses . . . by the house.—The cabins of the Kedçshim . . . in the house. The Kedçshim were males, perhaps eunuchs, who prostituted themselves like women in honour of the Asherah. (See 1 Kings 14:24; 1 Kings 15:12; Hosea 4:14.) The passage shows that the last infamy of Canaanite nature-worship had been established in the very sanctuary of Jehovah. The revolt of Judah could go no farther. Where the women wove hangings for the grove.—Wherein the women used to weave tents for the Ashçrah. The word we have rendered cabins and tents is bâttîm, “houses.” What is meant in the latter case is not clear. Perhaps the female harlots attached to the Temple wove portable tabernacles or sanctuaries of the goddess for sale to the worshippers; or tents (screens) for their own foul rites may be meant.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
Verse 7. The houses of the sodomites] We have already often met with these קדשים kedeshim or consecrated persons. The word implies all kinds of prostitutes, as well as abusers of themselves with mankind. Wove hangings for the grove.] For Asherah; curtains or tent coverings for the places where the rites of the impure goddess were performed. 2Kg 21:26.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:7
7. And he brake down] On like reforms cf. 1 Kings 15:12; 1 Kings 22:46. by [R.V. in] the house of the Lord] The text says that these abominations were in the temple. There is no reason why the English should not represent it plainly. the women wove hangings for the grove] R.V. the Asherah. It seems that at some of the shrines dedicated to the false gods, instead of more permanent erections, tents were put up, and it was for these that the women were employed in weaving curtains. The Hebrew word rendered ‘hangings’ is the same which is used in other passages for ‘houses’ of the high places. The Jewish tradition explains it by ‘curtains’. Some have thought that the ‘tabernacles’ alluded to in Amos 5:26 were of this character, tent-like erections which could be moved when not in use. Another allusion to such curtained structures for idolatrous worship is found in Ezekiel 16:16. ‘Of thy garments thou didst take and deckedst thy high places with divers colours’.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:7
7. Sodomites — See note on 1 Kings 14:24. These abominable prostitutes had grown so bold as to build their houses, or tents, by the house of the Lord, striking evidence of the fearful extent to which
Sermons on 2 Kings 23:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 320 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the significant roles of women in the Old Testament and the importance of women's involvement in the work and service of the Lord in both the time of the |
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When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im |
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Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker, Joshua Daniel, discusses the importance of facing challenges and being tested in order to grow spiritually. He references the story of Rehoboam in the |
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Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the historical account of Belshazzar's feast and the divine judgment that followed, showcasing the defiance and blasphemy against God that led to |
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A Biblical Pastor Part 1 (Tharptown Baptist Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of deception in the media and attributes it to a supernatural malignant power. He emphasizes the need for believers to be taught |
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Pilgrims Problems No. 1 Homosexuality by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the curse placed on humanity and how it led to slavery. He then mentions the betrayal of Judas Iscariot and how he ended up in hel |
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Homosexuality and Scripture by Peet Botha | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of homosexuality and scripture. He begins by discussing the wrath of God being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of |