Deuteronomy 23 9

Deuteronomy 23:9 kjv

When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.

Deuteronomy 23:9 nkjv

"When the army goes out against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing.

Deuteronomy 23:9 niv

When you are encamped against your enemies, keep away from everything impure.

Deuteronomy 23:9 esv

"When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every evil thing.

Deuteronomy 23:9 nlt

"When you go to war against your enemies, be sure to stay away from anything that is impure.

Deuteronomy 23 verses

Deuteronomy 23 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 23:9 delivers a direct command to the Israelite army: whenever they engage in military conflict against their enemies, they must diligently guard themselves from every form of evil or impurity. This mandate underscores the crucial requirement for absolute moral and ritual purity within the military camp, rooted in the understanding that God Himself, being holy, dwelt among His people and accompanied them in battle. Therefore, the entire conduct of the nation, especially during sacred endeavors like war, had to reflect His holiness.

Deuteronomy 23 9 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 23 falls within a broader section of laws that define the sanctity and distinctiveness of the Israelite community, particularly concerning who may or may not enter "the assembly of the LORD" (vv. 1-8). Following these rules about communal membership, the chapter shifts its focus to maintaining purity within the literal military encampment (vv. 9-14) and then outlines various stipulations regarding vows, financial dealings, and treatment of others. This particular verse (v.9) initiates the specific regulations concerning the military camp. Historically, Israel was a nation that frequently engaged in warfare, often divinely commanded as "holy war" for the purpose of dispossessing the Canaanites and establishing their inheritance. These battles were not merely human conflicts but campaigns in which God Himself was directly involved and present among His people. Therefore, the purity of the camp was paramount, as it reflected the sanctity of God's indwelling presence and ensured His continued favor and assistance in battle. Any impurity was considered a defilement that could hinder divine aid and lead to defeat.

Deuteronomy 23 9 Word analysis

• "When you go out": Hebrew: kî-tētse’ maḥăneh (כִּי־תֵצֵא מַחֲנֶה). The verb tētse’ (from yatsa’) means "to go forth" or "to embark." Maḥăneh denotes "camp" or "army." This phrasing implies an organized, collective military expedition. It signifies a transition from the daily routine to a specific, high-stakes military operation. The immediate shift in circumstances necessitates a heightened standard of conduct.
• "to war against your enemies": Hebrew: ‘al-’oyəveyḵā (עַל־אֹיְבֶיךָ). This specifies the purpose and direction of the "going out"—a direct confrontation with adversaries. It establishes the challenging and often brutal context of combat, which, counterintuitively, is precisely where maximum vigilance for holiness is required.
• "then you shall keep yourself": Hebrew: wənišmartā (וְנִשְׁמַרְתָּ). This is a reflexive form of the verb shamar, meaning "to guard," "to observe," "to be careful," or "to preserve oneself." It demands active, intentional self-discipline and moral vigilance on the part of each soldier. It implies a personal responsibility to proactively maintain a state of purity and consecration, rather than passively waiting for divine intervention or commands. This is a command for internal and external preservation from defilement.
• "from every wicked thing": Hebrew: mikōl dāḇār rā‘ (מִכֹּל דָּבָר רָע).
  • mikōl: "from all," emphasizing comprehensiveness.
  • dāḇār: a broad term meaning "word," "thing," "matter," or "affair." Here, it points to any and all matters or deeds.
  • rā‘: "evil," "wicked," "bad," "harmful," "displeasing." This term encompasses a wide spectrum of moral corruption, unethical behavior, sin, and even ceremonial uncleanness that would defile the individual or the camp.
  • Combined, it represents an absolute and pervasive prohibition against any form of thought, word, or deed that is contrary to God’s holy nature or commands. It is not limited to specific taboos but covers all potential forms of sin or impurity.
• Word-groups analysis:
  • "When you go out to war... then you shall keep yourself...": This linkage highlights the specific conditions under which this imperative becomes most critical. It implies that the intensity and moral compromises often associated with warfare do not exempt God’s people from their fundamental commitment to holiness; rather, it makes that commitment even more vital.
  • "the camp" or "army" as an entity (implied by maḥăneh): The holiness applied not just to individuals but to the corporate body. The entire army or military camp was to be treated as an extension of the consecrated space where God dwelt. Corporate purity was essential for divine blessing.
  • "from every wicked thing": The all-encompassing nature of "every wicked thing" means that vigilance must be total. It covers actions, words, attitudes, and intentions. This command implies a proactive spiritual discipline necessary to ensure the continuous presence and blessing of a holy God amidst His people, especially when faced with the stresses and temptations of military conflict.

Deuteronomy 23 9 Bonus section

This command regarding purity in the military camp underscores a fundamental aspect of Israelite "holy war": these campaigns were unique; they were battles sanctioned and directed by Yahweh. Thus, the human combatants were effectively His agents, and their conduct reflected directly on Him. The purity required ensured that Israel understood they were not merely fighting as a human army, but as God's army, operating under His direct command and within the sphere of His holiness. The physical integrity and cleanliness of the camp served as a tangible manifestation of the spiritual purity God demanded. This precept also serves as an ethical boundary, prohibiting the adoption of pagan practices often associated with warfare, such as human sacrifice, indiscriminate violence, or orgies. It highlights God's unwavering expectation of holiness from His people in all situations, setting a distinct standard that differentiated Israel from surrounding nations and provided a blueprint for moral conduct even in extreme pressure.

Deuteronomy 23 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:9 articulates a profound truth central to the Mosaic Covenant: the presence of a holy God necessitates a holy people. Even, and perhaps especially, in the brutal reality of warfare, Israel was called to maintain a sacred purity. This was not a pragmatic rule for military efficiency but a theological imperative. Since the LORD was metaphorically "walking in the midst of their camp" (Deut 23:14), their dwelling place had to reflect His character. "Every wicked thing" covered a wide array of sins – moral corruption, idolatry, greed, disobedience, or ritual impurity – all of which would defile the community and grieve God. The failure to adhere to this principle, as exemplified by Achan’s sin in Joshua 7, brought defeat and divine judgment upon the entire camp. For the Christian, this principle transcends physical warfare, applying to the spiritual battle against sin and spiritual forces (Eph 6:10-18). The believer, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, is called to proactive self-vigilance against "every form of evil" (1 Thes 5:22) to ensure Christ’s dwelling and effective witness in a fallen world. This command serves as a reminder that integrity and godliness are not suspended by circumstances, however extreme.