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Joshua 6:18
And ye, in any wise keepyourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye makeyourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.

Joshua 7:11-13
Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have putit even among their own stuff…

Judges 20:26
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing
This command emphasizes the necessity of holiness, especially in times of conflict. The term "wicked thing" encompasses moral impurity, idolatry, and disobedience to God's laws. In the ancient Near Eastern context, military camps were places where discipline was crucial, and any moral lapse could lead to defeat. This principle is echoed in1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy in all conduct. The call to purity can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was without sin and serves as the ultimate example of holiness. The Israelites' need to maintain purity in the camp foreshadows the New Testament teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), highlighting the ongoing call for believers to live righteously.

“When you are encamped …” (Deuteronomy 23:9) sets the scene at the edge of battle. God speaks to His people not in the comfort of peacetime but in the tension of a military camp.

• InDeuteronomy 20:1–4 the Lord had already promised to go with Israel into war, so here He addresses how they are to behave while awaiting combat.

• The principle applies whenever believers find themselves in the thick of spiritual conflict (2 Timothy 2:3–4;1 Peter 5:8); preparation is both tactical and moral.

• Holiness is not postponed until victory is won—God expects it while the swords are still sheathed.

“… encamped against your enemies …” reminds Israel that opposition is real and identifiable.

• Israel’s enemies were tangible armies (Exodus 17:8–13;1 Samuel 17:41–47). Yet behind every human foe lurks a deeper spiritual adversary (Ephesians 6:12).

• Knowing who the enemy is keeps God’s people from misdirected hostility and focuses them on the true battlefield.

• The presence of an enemy does not negate God’s sovereignty; it highlights the need to rely on Him (Psalm 20:7;2 Chronicles 20:15).

“… then you shall keep yourself …” places responsibility on each individual in the camp.

• Personal vigilance is commanded; holiness cannot be outsourced (James 1:27).

• Self-discipline matters even amid corporate warfare (1 Timothy 4:16). The camp’s strength is tied to the integrity of its members.

• The call is proactive—“keep” in advance, not reactively clean up later (Proverbs 4:23).

“… from every wicked thing.” God’s standard is comprehensive.

• No pet sins, no “necessary” compromises in wartime; every wicked thing must be shunned (Leviticus 11:44–45).

• The verses that follow detail sexual purity (Deuteronomy 23:10–11) and sanitation (23:12–14), showing that moral and physical cleanliness go hand in hand.

• Holiness invites God’s continued presence in the camp (Joshua 7:12–13;1 Peter 1:15–16). Sin tolerated is victory forfeited.

Deuteronomy 23:9 teaches that life’s battles are fought best by a prepared people whose purity invites God’s power. While encamped and waiting for the clash, believers guard their hearts and habits, refusing every form of evil. Holiness in the camp today readies God’s people for triumph tomorrow.

(9)When the host goeth forth against thine enemies . . . keep thee.--"Because Satan maketh his accusations in the hour of danger" (Rashi).

(10)Uncleanness that chanceth him by night. As inLeviticus 15:16.

(11)When the sun is down.--"No man is clean (after ceremonial uncleanness) except at the going down of the sun" (Rashi).

(12)Without the camp.--It must not be forgotten that this is the camp of thearmy,not the whole encampment of Israel in the wilderness. The entire passage is continuous fromDeuteronomy 23:9. Hence the whole discussion raised, after the appearance of Dr. Colenso's work, on the size of the camp of Israel and the possibility of obeying this rule, was simply waste of words, and arose out of a misunderstanding of the matter under consideration. The sanitary value of the rule has been abundantly demonstrated in our own day.

(13)A paddle--rather, a pin, or spike, like that with which Jael slew Sisera. The word for "weapon" does not occur elsewhere. The LXX. translates it"a pin or tent-pegat thy girdle;"the Hebrew word (azen) being like the Greek (????).But both Targums interpret the word as "weapon," connecting it with the Hebrewzayin,which has that meaning. Thehinder end of the spearin Abner's hand was sharp enough to strike Asahel a fatal blow when he followed him (2Samuel 2:23). Saul's spear also was "stuck in the ground at his bolster" (1Samuel 26:7), probably with its point upwards, by the same spike. . . .

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