9-11 When you are camped out, at war with your enemies, be careful to keep yourself from anything ritually defiling. If one of your men has become ritually unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must go outside the camp and stay there until evening when he can wash himself, returning to the camp at sunset.

12-14 Mark out an area outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourselves. Along with your weapons have a stick with you. After you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the stick and cover your excrement. God, your God, strolls through your camp; he’s present to deliver you and give you victory over your enemies. Keep your camp holy; don’t permit anything indecent or offensive in God’s eyes.

* * *

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.71
Save: $5.28 (28%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $2.89
Save: $1.10 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $4.88
Save: $25.11 (84%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $69.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars