Genesis 38:21
ESV - 21 And he asked the men of the place, "Where is the cult prostitute who was at Enaim at the roadside?" And they said, "No cult prostitute has been here.
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By my understanding, among the religious rituals carried out by the pagan people of Canaan was sexual relations (both heterosexual and homosexual) between those who practiced the religion and individuals (both male and female) who were dedicated to perform such sexual acts in the service of the religion's god, which typically took place at a shrine honoring that god. These individuals were called shrine prostitutes, cult prostitutes, or temple prostitutes. Such actions were specifically condemned and outlawed by God for the nation of Israel in the Law given to Moses (Deuteronomy 23:17-18), which also prohibited the offering to God of funds received through those actions.
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