In the context of the Book of Kings, male shrine prostitutes, often referred to as ‘kedeshim,’ were individuals who engaged in sexual practices as part of religious rituals within the worship of various ancient Near Eastern deities. These practices were considered a form of fertility worship, believed to invoke the favor of the gods for agricultural abundance and prosperity.
Throughout the texts, particularly in Kings, the presence of such practices is highlighted as a point of contention, especially in the context of the Israelite religion, which emphasized the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew Bible often condemns these practices, associating them with the worship of idols and reflecting the broader themes of fidelity and loyalty to God.
Examples can be found in 1 Kings 14:24 and 2 Kings 23:7, where the actions of the kings of Israel and Judah are criticized for allowing or engaging in such worship. The references to male shrine prostitutes serve to illustrate the moral and religious decline that the biblical authors perceived in the behavior of the Israelites compared to their covenant with God.