Prostitution and adultery

[Director Michael]

This narrative indicates that harlotry was not specifically prohibited within the Seven Noahide Commandments. But the narrative also proves that harlotry was considered highly immoral, since Judah wanted to prevent his action from becoming known to the public. See verse 38:23; Rashi explains that it was considered "a disgrace." The courts have an obligation to outlaw harlotry, since it is destructive to the stability of the society.