Deuteronomy 23:1

NASB`	NLT	VOICE
1 No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off may enter the assembly of the Lord.	1 If a man’s testicles are crushed or his penis is cut off, he may not be admitted to the assembly of the Lord.	1 No emasculated man, either by crushing or severing his male organs, may come and worship the Eternal.

The Ancient Exclusion of Eunuchs

This was a physical condition that resulted from injury or deliberate mutilation. In the Ancient Near Eastern, these conditions could result from accidents, war, or pagan religious practices, including self-castration. The prohibition that Moses is mentioning here reflects the importance of the wholeness and integrity in those who participate in the worship and community life of Israel – think of your pastors, worship leaders, Bible study leaders, and more doing something like this. 

Isaiah 56:4-5

NASB`	NLT	VOICE
4 For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant,	4 For this is what the Lord says: I will bless those eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy and who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me.	4 For this is what the Eternal has to say: The eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, make good choices, and follow the terms of My covenant will blossom with My blessing.
5 To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial, And a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be eliminated.	5 I will give them – within the walls of my house – a memorial and a name far greater than sons and daughters could give. For the name I give them is an everlasting one. It will never disappear!	5 I will give them, within My House, and enduring memorial and a name better than if they had sons and daughters – A name that will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire and encourage forever.

A Shift Toward Radical Welcome

Eunuchs, often excluded from full participation in Israelite religious life due to their physical condition, are specifically addressed indicating a radical inclusion. Eunuchs were often castrated, meaning that they lost the use of their testicles. They were excluded due to the impurity law shown in the Deuteronomy passage, but here included into God’s family. Chooing what pleases God involves aligning one’s desires and action with God’s will. The act of castration could be an intentional act to remove and physical temptation of lust and sexual immorality in order to dedicate their full life to following God. The passage, though, echoes the call to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength AND reflects the free will in choosing God’s ways. The promise directed towards the foreigners and the eunuchs were radical. This shows God’s inclusive nature and His willingness to extend the blessings beyond traditional boundaries. Those who were once considered outsiders will be given a place of honor and acceptance within the community of God’s people. 

Inclusion Is a Theological Imperative

The role of allies in the LGBTQ+ community should be one of understanding, encouraging, and fighting. We need to do a better job at understanding all aspects of the LGBTQ+ livelihood – the spectrum of different labels, why those labels mean something, and how we can best universally accommodate different basic rights to life for all parts of this community. We need to be better and encourage the presence and normality of the community. People within the spectrum here are not sick, mentally unstable, and anything in between. Truthfully, if they are not hurting themselves or hurting others – who are we to judge? We need to celebrate through those who take a lot of confidence, courage, and pride in not only celebrating who they have become, but are willing to share their true identity to the world. Christians, and non-Christians, have cast a lot of very harsh judgments, critiques, and restrictions for how people in the LGBTQ+ community should live. This is where allies need to fight more. The Bible teaches us that we should fight for the marginalized communities around us. The LGBTQ+ community are often silenced and restricted from normal rights to life. Allies need to speak out and fight for equal rights so that everyone can receive the proper ability to live a life that God has called us to live. 

Allies Aren’t Passive – They’re Prophets

Would I have struggled recognizing that the words in Isaiah were from God? Not really, I think the only astonishment that I have with this is that the passage would have led to a conversation  of inclusion. Overall though, no. God teaches us that we should extend love and compassion to all people. There were no restrictions to who that looked like. There were no commands to bully and judge those who were not abiding by a Christian lifestyle. It was to extend the same grace and mercy that was extended to you through Jesus. Where do we take this from there? We are not the judge. We are not the jury nor the executioner. We are called to reflect the light of Christ, though love and mercy, caring for the needs of those less fortunate, and ensuring the marginalized are being heard so that they are taken care of and offered the same resources that we have today. 

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever misunderstood or misapplied Deuteronomy 23:1 before?
2. What communities have you excluded from spiritual fellowship?
3. What ways can you be active, informed, and a compassionate ally right now?

Call to Action

Learn something about LGBTQ+ experiences within the church. Follow different affirming Christians, read personal stories, or attend a local event. Then ask God, “Where do you want me to speak up?”

Next series: Who Am I Again? #1