Deuteronomy 23:9

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

When the host {H4264} goeth forth {H3318} against thine enemies {H341}, then keep {H8104} thee from every wicked {H7451} thing {H1697}.

"When you are in camp, at war with your enemies, you are to guard yourself against anything bad.

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

When thou goest forth in camp against thine enemies, then thou shalt keep thee from every evil thing.

Commentary

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 23 is part of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This book reiterates and expands upon God's covenant laws, emphasizing the importance of obedience and holiness for the nation. Specifically, this chapter deals with various regulations concerning the purity and sanctity of the Israelite community, particularly in the context of their relationship with God and their conduct as a holy nation.

Meaning and Interpretation

Deuteronomy 23:9 provides a crucial command concerning the conduct of the Israelite army, or "host," when they are engaged in warfare. The verse instructs them to "keep thee from every wicked thing." This means that even in the challenging and often brutal realities of battle, the soldiers were to maintain moral and spiritual purity. They were to avoid any form of sin, defilement, or ungodly conduct that would displease the Lord. This command was paramount because the Israelite camp was considered holy, and God's presence was understood to be among them, especially when they went to war. Any wickedness could defile the camp and jeopardize divine favor and success in battle.

Key Themes

  • Holiness in All Circumstances: This verse powerfully illustrates that God's demand for holiness is not limited to peaceful times but extends even to the battlefield, a place often associated with moral compromise. It teaches that God's people must maintain their integrity regardless of external pressures or difficult situations.
  • Divine Presence and Favor: The underlying reason for this strict command for purity is the belief that God's presence accompanies His "host." To ensure His continued blessing, protection, and victory, the camp had to remain consecrated. This theme is explicitly reinforced in Deuteronomy 23:14, which states, "For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy."
  • Moral Discipline and Accountability: The command emphasizes the need for strict moral discipline and self-control within the army. It highlights that spiritual readiness and moral uprightness were considered as vital as military strategy and physical preparedness for the success of God's people.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "wicked thing" translates from the Hebrew davar ra (דָּבָר רָע), which literally means "evil matter" or "bad thing." This is a comprehensive term, encompassing a wide range of moral impurities, sinful actions, and anything that would displease a holy God. It implies a call for overall moral integrity and the avoidance of any conduct that would contradict the sanctity required of God's covenant people.

Practical Application

While modern warfare differs significantly from ancient Israelite battles, the principle of Deuteronomy 23:9 remains profoundly relevant for believers today:

  • Spiritual Warfare: For Christians, this verse offers a powerful lesson concerning spiritual warfare. As believers engage in the ongoing battle against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces, maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed is crucial. Just as the ancient Israelite army needed to be consecrated, so too must believers strive for holiness to effectively stand against the enemy and experience God's power and blessing.
  • Personal Integrity and Holiness: The call to "keep thee from every wicked thing" applies to all areas of life, not just literal combat. In every circumstance, especially when facing challenges or "battles" of any kind—whether professional, personal, or spiritual—believers are called to uphold God's standards of righteousness. This echoes the broader biblical call for holiness, as found in verses like 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
  • Consequences of Compromise: The verse serves as a timeless reminder that moral compromise can hinder God's blessing and presence in our lives. Purity is not merely a legalistic requirement but a foundational condition for intimate fellowship with God and for experiencing His divine empowerment in our daily walk.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 6:18 (3 votes)

    And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing, lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:4 (2 votes)

    And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.

  • Revelation 19:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

  • Revelation 19:14 (2 votes)

    And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

  • Judges 20:26 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Joshua 7:11 (1 votes)

    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 put [it] even among their own stuff.

  • Joshua 7:13 (1 votes)

    Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.