Deuteronomy Chapter 23

Deuteronomy 23:9-14 talks about the cleanliness of the camp site. In particular, verses 12-13 says that when they relieve themselves, they are to dig a hole and cover up their excrement (ESV). Otherwise, should God see any unclean thing among them, He will turn away from them (23:14). God walks in the midst of their camp to deliver them and hence their camp has to be holy.

It seems strange, or maybe even a little uncomfortable to read this passage which discusses very private things (i.e. verses 12-13 discussing matters relating to the toilet). These are private moments whereby we are alone, moments that we usually don’t discuss or share about with others.

Indeed, it can be quite unsettling to talk about private moments where we are alone at home, or to share about our private innermost thoughts. How willing are we to let someone else see everything that we have searched online? How comfortable do we feel if someone else could read all our thoughts?

What we learn from this passage is that even in all these private moments of our lives, even when no one else is present, God still demands cleanliness. Leading a life of holiness and purity is not meant to just be a facade for others to see. This holiness must permeate through all aspects of our lives. Our true inner self has to be holy.

When seen by others, extra care and effort is put in to portray ourselves a certain way. Yet at home, especially when alone, we let our hair down and demand less of ourselves. We care less about our clothes, our posture, our actions, etc. No one is watching us, right? Likewise, we may be careful with our words, but we let our minds and imagination freely wander. Even into un-christianly territory. No one can read our thoughts, right?

We know that God is always watching. We know that God sees all our thoughts. His requirements for us are constant and consistent. In public or in private, our visible actions or invisible thoughts, God still demands the same standard of holiness and purity.

Let us consider: Do we really strive to be pure and holy at all times? Do we pursue after godliness and strive to please God in aspects of our lives, even when no one else is there? Have we been watching over our thoughts and ensuring they too are pleasing in the sight of God?

One might ask, why should we hold ourselves to such a high standard? Verse 14 answers and reminds us that God is in our midst to save us and deliver us. God wants to deliver us from our pain and sorrows. He wants to give us hope. However, should there be any uncleanness, God will turn away.

Completely maintaining a life of purity and holiness is not easy, especially in our private moments and in our private thoughts. However, Romans 8:5-8, 12-13 assures us that the Holy Spirit enables us to put to death the deeds of our flesh. Romans 8 promises us that if we live according to the Spirit, if we are spiritually minded, we will receive life and peace.

From Deuteronomy 23:12-14, we read how the Israelites had to ensure that cleanliness was still maintained even for very private and personal things, so that the camp will be holy and God will walk in their midst. Likewise today, 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 reminds us that we are the temple of the living God. God dwells in our midst through the Holy Spirit. We ought to be separate from the world and be holy, for God promises that He will dwell with us and walk among us. He will be our God and will be like a Father to us.

Without holiness, no one can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14b). Remove sin and unholiness from all aspects of our lives and the barrier between us and God will be removed (Isaiah 59:1-2). God sees and recognises our efforts, and He will draw nearer to us. We will experience Him more in our lives when we strive to lead a life entirely pleasing in His sight.

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