Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Harold Holmyard <hholmyard3 AT earthlink.net>]

Bill,
> > HH: If you look at the passage carefully, you will see that it is not
> > talking about the whole camp of Israel, women and children and the aged
> > included, but it is talking about a military expedition that is camped
> > against an enemy. That is clear from verses 9 and 14:
> >     
>
> I disagree that this is clear. This chapter, understanding that the chapter
> divisions are not original, seems to be an eclectic collection of laws. The
> way I read it, the connection between verse 9 and 10 is anything but clear.
> I think its possible to read verse 9 as a law on its own. One thing which is
> against reading it as a set of instructions for military action is verse 10.
> Putting a man outside the camp all day during a military campaign makes him
> a sitting duck for the enemies.

HH: Maybe it is the translation I am using. Here is verse 9 of 
Deuteronomy 23:

CSB Deut 23:9  "When you are encamped against your enemies, be careful 
to avoid anything offensive.

NIV Deut 23:9  When you are encamped against your enemies, keep away 
from everything impure.

NRSV Deut 23:9  When you are encamped against your enemies you shall 
guard against any impropriety.

HH: It is the following verses that show what sort of offensive, or 
evil, thing the Lord is talking about. Also, in Hebrew the verb 
"encamped" is literally "when you go out a camp." The same word "camp" 
is used in verses 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14. Also, the theme of war against 
enemies is in verses 9 and 14. And verse 14 continues the same themes 
that are present in the previous verses.

Yours,
Harold Holmyard