Deuteronomy 23:13
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
God commanded every Israelite soldier to carry a digging tool, to go outside the camp to relieve himself, and to dig a hole and cover what came from him. This was given because the Lord himself was present in the camp and his angel went with the army, so no uncleanness was to appear there, for God requires order and cleanliness and takes notice of impurity. Obedience kept his presence, blessing and victory with Israel and set them apart from the nations, while neglect would cause him to withdraw and leave them to reproach and defeat. The rule was both a religious duty and a sanitary safeguard against foul air, disease and death, and the same care is still required of God's people in homes and public places, especially where people live close together. Outward cleanliness of body, dress and dwelling is therefore to go with inward purity of heart from selfishness, practiced in daily life and not in worship only.
Original Camp Instruction
The command required every Israelite to carry a paddle-like digging implement upon his weapon, to go outside the camp when he needed to relieve himself, to dig a hole with the tool, and then to turn back and cover the excrement deposited there. The covering was to be done with earth, so that bodily impurities were kept away from the camp and buried outside it. This was the appointed means of keeping the camp clean in ordinary habit.
The instruction was given for Israel's encampment in the wilderness, especially while at war, and belonged to broader camp rules for order and purity. Refuse of every kind was to be carried far from the camp, and human waste was to be kept well away from the encampment. Persons with personal uncleanness were to remain outside the camp until evening and to cleanse themselves and their clothing before returning, and the people were directed to wash their clothes and keep them clean. These were sanitary laws taught and enforced among Israel in the wilderness as the people were trained in healthful habits.
The reason stated is that the Lord was present among the camp and His angel went with the army to battle, so no uncleanness was to be seen there. God required order and cleanliness in the camp, took notice of uncleanness, and noticed men's actions. Cleanliness is regarded by Him as important, even in such practical details.
Obedience in this kept God's presence, blessing, sanctifying work and victory with Israel. By it He was sanctifying them and setting them apart as His treasured people, distinct from the surrounding nations. Neglect could cause Him to withdraw His presence, favor and blessing, and to be unable to go forward with the army. Disregard then brought curses instead of blessings, reproach, and defeat instead of victory.
Health and Holiness Today
The digging and covering ordered was both a religious requirement and a sanitary measure, given to protect physical and moral well-being and to keep the camp and its surroundings from contamination. Cleanliness of the camp was a matter of obedience, showing that God required cleanliness in ordinary habits and took care for the healthfulness of surroundings. Neglect fouls the air and spreads disease, and can bring sickness and death.
The same care is required of God's people now, including those living at the end of the world. It applies to homes and their surroundings, and to public buildings such as schools and sanitariums. It is required both within and outside the premises, and is especially necessary where people live in close quarters. Persistent neglect after repeated admonition warrants church discipline, since uncleanness was incompatible with God's presence.
In present application this means cleanliness of person, neatness of dress, and order and cleanliness in the home. Children are to be taught bodily and household cleanliness early, so that physical cleanliness helps them understand the need for purity of heart. Contaminated places are to be purified with lime or ashes, or by covering impurity with earth daily. Disorderly habits bring reproach on the community and hinder God's cause, while obedience sets His people apart as treasured and sanctified and keeps blessing and victory with them.
Outward cleanliness is to accompany inward purity, with the heart cleansed of selfishness and earthliness by God's grace and Spirit. Cleanliness includes practical bodily hygiene and keeping the camp clean, and is required in daily life and in the home, not only in worship.