How to build an outdoor latrine - Bible style

Smack in the middle of a chapter pertaining to the glorious sanctification of the Assembly of God -- Deuteronomy 23 --we find tips on how to build an outdoor latrine. When we take a closer look these 'tips' appear to be highly similar to a passage in Paul's letter to the Romans, in which he sums up no less than the mystery of the death and resurrection of people in Christ.

The Book of Deuteronomy deals with the formal and ceremonial qualities of the covenant of the Creator and His creation. According to the many contemporary and subsequent prophesies this covenant must in due time result in the fullness of
man; a completely stable economy and utter freedom of the individual in social, economical and intellectual sense. This unified human mentality, though founded on individual freedom, will be governed by an elite group of just rulers, or rather an assembly of servants.

Our target verses are situated in a legal discourse stretching from chapter 4 to chapter 27, covering the Ten Commandments, ceremonial law, civil law and social law.

Deuteronomy 23 is part of excursions in social law, covering anonymous murder, family law (marriage, rebellious children, property, separation), acceptance into the above-mentioned assembly, laws for harmony in the nation, and tax law. Deuteronomy 23 is a chapter that deals with preparation for an elite administration of just rulers. Jesus Christ is considered the first actual one and arch-father of that administration and, by His incarnation into His people, also the factual unity of its members. He made it clear that these future rulers are to 'die to themselves'; to lay down their personal life for the service of the collective, as utter servants.

Continue reading ...