Deuteronomy 23:11

But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash [himself] with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp [again].

But it shall be, when evening {H6153} cometh on {H6437}, he shall wash {H7364} himself with water {H4325}: and when the sun {H8121} is down {H935}, he shall come {H935} into {H8432} the camp {H4264} again.

When evening arrives he is to bathe himself in water, and after sunset he may enter the camp.

When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp.

but it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall bathe himself in water; and when the sun is down, he shall come within the camp.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:11 is part of a series of regulations concerning the purity and sanctity of the Israelite camp. This specific verse outlines the process by which an individual, having become ritually unclean, could be readmitted into the community after a prescribed period and cleansing ritual.

Context

This verse directly follows Deuteronomy 23:10, which addresses a man who becomes unclean due to a nocturnal emission. The Israelite camp was considered holy because the presence of God dwelt within it (Deuteronomy 23:14). Therefore, strict rules regarding ritual purity were essential to maintain the camp's holiness and ensure God's continued blessing and presence among His people. This law reflects the meticulous nature of God's commands regarding separation from impurity, ensuring the reverence due to His dwelling place.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Holiness: The primary theme is the necessity of ritual cleansing to maintain the holiness of the camp. Uncleanness, though often not moral sin, was a state incompatible with God's perfect purity.
  • Divine Presence: The regulations underscore the profound belief that God literally dwelt among His people. Any impurity threatened that sacred relationship and His presence.
  • Order and Discipline: The specific instructions for washing and the timing ("when evening cometh on," "when the sun is down") highlight the ordered and disciplined approach required for reconciliation and restoration within the community and before God.
  • Restoration and Reintegration: After the prescribed ritual, the individual was permitted to re-enter the camp, signifying their restoration to a state of purity and full participation in the community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "when evening cometh on" and "when the sun is down" both refer to the same event: sunset. In the ancient Israelite calendar, a new day began at sunset. Therefore, the command to wash and wait until sunset meant that the period of uncleanness concluded with the end of that day, allowing the individual to be clean for the start of the new day. This timing is consistent with many Old Testament purity laws, where uncleanness lasted "until the evening," followed by a washing (see Leviticus 15).

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians today, the principles they represent offer valuable insights:

  1. The Importance of Purity: This verse reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His desire for His people to be pure. For believers today, this translates to spiritual and moral purity, striving for a life pleasing to God (1 Peter 1:15-16).
  2. Seeking Cleansing: Just as the Israelite had a prescribed method for cleansing, believers have been cleansed by Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14). When we stumble, we are called to confess our sins, knowing God is faithful to cleanse us (1 John 1:9).
  3. Respect for God's Presence: The careful measures taken to maintain a holy camp teach us reverence for God's presence in our lives, our churches, and our communities.
  4. Restoration: The law provided a clear path back to fellowship after impurity. Similarly, God offers full restoration and acceptance to those who genuinely seek Him and His forgiveness.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:22 (3 votes)

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Luke 11:38 (3 votes)

    And when the Pharisee saw [it], he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

  • Luke 11:39 (3 votes)

    And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

  • Leviticus 14:9 (3 votes)

    But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

  • Leviticus 15:5 (3 votes)

    And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

  • Ephesians 5:26 (3 votes)

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

  • Ephesians 5:27 (3 votes)

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.