Deuteronomy 23:1-6

The disqualification to the privileges of GOD'S people, is expressed by these marks, which imply defect. Who shall say, except the great searcher of hearts, what are the causes of prevention, to unite souls really and spiritually to the congregation of the LORD. And, perhaps, as the prospect of the holy seed in the person of the Messiah, was the great object unto which all Israel looked forward, with the hope that it might be in their household and family; the LORD was pleased, by this precept, to manifest how important a matter it was, that there should be no intercourse by marriages with the idolatrous neighbours around them. In after ages we find the breach of this precept deeply lamented by the fathers; see Neh_13:1-3; Neh_13:23-25.