What exactly is the nature of the tw(bh which is being denounced here?
I am referring particularly to the last clause wb(l bt )l nkr. I notice
that the LXX removes all reference to marriage. Is this a legitimate move?
Is the abomination tw(bh the idolatry that results from marriage to
idolaters or is this a prohibition of intermarriage with another tribe or
nation or race?
The question comes up in discussions with neo-pagans about the connection
between gods, tribes, nations, and races in the ancient world. I know that
the conventional wisdom on this subject is that "race" is a modern notion
but the neo-pagans which I am discussing this with are rather dismissive of
conventional wisdom.
Anyway, what can we make of this tw(bh (abomination)? Is it marriage to
someone from another tribe or nation or race?