Topical Encyclopedia The term "draughthouse" is an archaic English word that appears in some older translations of the Bible, often referring to a place for the disposal of human waste. In the context of biblical times, it is synonymous with a latrine or privy. The concept of a draughthouse is mentioned in the Bible in relation to cleanliness and ceremonial purity, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.Biblical References: One of the notable references to a draughthouse is found in the account of King Eglon of Moab in the Book of Judges. After Ehud, the judge of Israel, assassinated King Eglon, he escaped through the porch, and the servants of Eglon, thinking he was relieving himself in the "cool chamber," delayed in entering. This delay allowed Ehud to escape. The passage highlights the privacy and seclusion associated with such facilities. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "draughthouse," the concept is present in the narrative: · Judges 3:24-25 : "After Ehud was gone, Eglon’s servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. They said, 'He must be relieving himself in the cool chamber.' So they waited until they became embarrassed, but when he did not open the doors of the upper room, they took the key and unlocked them. There they saw their lord fallen to the floor, dead." In the New Testament, Jesus uses the concept metaphorically to teach about spiritual purity. In a discussion about what defiles a person, Jesus explains that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles, but what comes out of it. He uses the imagery of a draughthouse to illustrate that physical consumption is ultimately expelled and does not affect one's spiritual state: · Matthew 15:17 : "Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated?" Cultural and Religious Context: In ancient Israel, the maintenance of cleanliness and the proper disposal of waste were important aspects of daily life, both for practical health reasons and for maintaining ceremonial purity. The Law of Moses included specific instructions regarding sanitation, which underscored the importance of separating unclean elements from the community. This is evident in Deuteronomy, where instructions are given for the disposal of waste outside the camp: · Deuteronomy 23:12-14 : "You must have a place outside the camp to go and relieve yourself. And you must have a digging tool in your equipment so that when you relieve yourself you can dig a hole and cover up your excrement. For the LORD your God walks throughout your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that He will not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you." The emphasis on cleanliness and holiness reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from impurity and the pursuit of righteousness. The draughthouse, while a mundane aspect of daily life, serves as a reminder of the need for both physical and spiritual cleanliness in the life of a believer. Easton's Bible Dictionary (2 Kings 10:27). Jehu ordered the temple of Baal to be destroyed, and the place to be converted to the vile use of receiving offal or ordure. (Comp. Matthew 15:17.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A house for the reception of waste matter; a privy.Thesaurus Draughthouse/d/draughthouse.htm - 6k Draught (8 Occurrences) Draught-house (1 Occurrence) Resources Draughthouse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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