Exodus 19:15

"And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not near a woman."

This verse concluded the special instructions on sanctification in anticipation of meeting Jehovah, and some have expressed surprise that an order like this was included. Sexual intercourse within the Scriptural authorization for it is not sinful, as Paul said, "Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled" (Hebrews 13:4). What then, does this have to do with consecration to God?

First of all, the flesh is antithetical to the Spirit of God. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other" (Galatians 5:17). Thus, it was considered to be desirable among Christians that husbands and wives should refrain from their usual relations, upon occasion, to "give themselves unto prayer" (1 Peter 3:7; 1 Corinthians 7:5). Back of scriptures such as these lies the fact that bodily appetites must not dominate and control Christians, but must be dominated and controlled by Christians. Thus, this admonition was proper in its own right. However, in the culture of those days, there was a special reason for this injunction. Throughout Canaan and among all the surrounding nations the usual religious service was an orgy in which sexual indulgence was a normal part.

"They thought that sexual intercourse between men and special prostitutes could influence their gods and persuade them to make the land fertile. Some Israelites were tempted to share in such worship, and they needed to be reminded that that was not what God wanted."[20]