Here are my thoughts on the issue at hand on this post:
First, let's look at the meaning of the term 'abomination'. In my Strong's concordance, there are several number references. Let's take a look:
#8441-something morally disgusting;an abhorrent thing;
especially idolatry or an idol.
(Verse ref.: Genesis 43:32 and Genesis 46:34)
#6292-fetid ie.
ceremonially unclean.
(Verse ref.: Leviticus 7:18)
fetid=an offensive smell.
#8263-figuratively and specifically, an idolatrous object that is viewed as filthy and intensely loathed and polluted.
(Verse ref.: Leviticus 11:10 and 11)
There are several other Strong's number references, but I will stick with these. All of the others mean pretty much the same thing: to smell bad, offensive morally, to loathe, to morally detest, disgusting, filthy, idolatrous, an idol, a detestation, grossly wicked or villainous, etc. Some of these include the term 'abominable' as well. In regards to the two verses that are in my original post:
Deuteronomy 22:5 - The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are
abomination unto the LORD thy God.
and
1Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
I believe that God is
always One who judges an individual on their heart and
never on their outward appearance. In the case of Deuteronomy 22:5, this is a part of the old testament law right along with the levitical law, which contains many abominations. You may ask, why would God be concerned about the outward appearance as He seems to be in Deuteronomy 22:5? My answer is in it's context!
The context of Leviticus is idolatry. All things in it are things the Canaanites partook in, but Israel was not to partake in. Notice in one of the Strong's references above, Leviticus 11:10:
"And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an
abomination unto you".
The term 'abomination' in this verse refers to an idolatrous object. In this case, that object or objects are "all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters". Particular kinds of water living things were considered
idolatrous objects and to be avoided. They were looked upon as filthy and polluted. Now, the definition says figuratively, so these living things, or whatever else was considered an idolatrous object or action, may not have been idolatrous specifically or in and of themselves, but only figuratively or metaphorically or symbolically. That is, they were symbols of idolatry, but not in and of themselves.Why? Because they were things idol worshippers partook of. Leviticus is filled with such things. In my studious opinion, these things reminded God of a people who rejected Him for foreign gods and goddesses. So, the things they did and partook of left a bad smell in His nostrils and only reminded Him of their spiritual adultery. If an idolator did it or ate it, it was to be rejected by Israel. Some things were not necessarily a sin in and of themselves (ie. eating certain foods, sewing two different seeds in the same field, shaving one's beard, etc.), but they were off limits to God's people. Cross dressing was one of them.
I have read and heard the history on eunuchs and the orgy-like antics and rituals of pagan idol worshippers who castrated themselves to appear more like women. Namely, more like their goddess Ashtoreth:
1Kings 11:5-For Solomon went after
Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the
abomination of the Ammonites.
In this verse, Milcom is called the abomintion of the Ammonites. That is another way of saying, Milcom the
idol of the Ammonites. In the case of Ashtoreth, her followers were known for being males who castrated themselves and dressed in female clothing that resembled her. They even wore masks made to look like her. Male temple prostitutes (ie. sodomites) were the males who did this. They would engage in sex with the male worshippers that came to sexually sacrifice to Ashtoreth. This puts a whole new meaning on 'lying with mankind as with womankind'. The levitical reference in 18:22 refers to, in my opinion, these types of sex acts. These acts are what 1Kings 14:24 refers to as well and is why they were cast out: Because of the sodomites and the 'abominations' they did. Since the context of Leviticus is idolatry and the term 'abomination' is known for its meaning of idolatry and an idol, it all makes sense to me. God is morally disgusted, detested, abhorred, etc. with these levitical things that the Canaanites did because they are associated with idolatry. Cross dressing was a part of idolatrous practices. In light of 1Samuel 16:7, God looks at the heart, but not only in certain circumstances. Always! The intentions and motives of those in biblical times to do the things previously mentioned with honor, glory, and praise to false gods, doesn't it make sense that God would be feel as He did towards these things? In my view, God was not addressing those we know today as crossdressers or those we know today as gays. His issue was idolatry and all that idolaters did with their hearts and actions towards another god. Why do you think it's called adultery? If you are married and your spouse cheats on you with another, would you want anything that reminds you of their affair around you? Most probably would not. It is my belief that God did not either and that is why He rejected all things associated with the affair of the idolators with other gods. Just my take on it!
