The term "draught-house" appears in the context of ancient sanitation practices and is referenced in the Bible as a place designated for the disposal of human waste. In biblical times, the management of waste was an essential aspect of maintaining cleanliness and health within communities, particularly in densely populated areas such as cities and military camps.

Biblical References:

The term "draught-house" is specifically mentioned in 2 Kings 10:27 : "They demolished the pillar of Baal and tore down the temple of Baal, and they used it as a latrine to this day." In this passage, the draught-house is associated with the desecration of a pagan temple, symbolizing the complete eradication of Baal worship in Israel. The transformation of the temple into a latrine served as a powerful statement against idolatry, emphasizing the triumph of the worship of Yahweh over false gods.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, as in other ancient Near Eastern societies, sanitation was a practical concern. The Law of Moses provided guidelines for maintaining cleanliness, which included instructions for the disposal of waste. Deuteronomy 23:12-14 outlines the requirement for an area outside the camp where waste could be deposited, ensuring that the camp remained holy and free from impurity: "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."

The draught-house, therefore, was an essential facility for maintaining ritual purity and public health. Its mention in the context of the destruction of Baal's temple underscores the biblical theme of purity, both physical and spiritual, and the importance of separating the holy from the profane.

Theological Implications:

The use of a draught-house in the biblical narrative serves as a metaphor for the rejection of idolatry and the cleansing of the land from pagan influences. By converting a site of idol worship into a place for waste disposal, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to the covenant with God and their dedication to upholding His commandments. This act of transformation highlights the biblical principle that what is unclean and defiled must be removed from the presence of the holy.

In summary, the draught-house in biblical literature is more than a mere reference to ancient sanitation practices; it is a symbol of the triumph of God's holiness over idolatry and impurity. Through the lens of biblical theology, it serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the need to maintain both physical and spiritual cleanliness in the life of the believer.(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.) 4280. macharaah -- a cloaca, cesspool
... draught house. From the same as chere'; a sink -- draught house. see HEBREW
chere'. 4279, 4280. macharaah. 4281 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4280.htm - 6k

4163. motsaah -- going forth
... draught house; going forth. Feminine of mowtsa'; a family descent; also a sewer
(marg.; compare tsow'ah) -- draught house; going forth. see HEBREW mowtsa'. ...
/hebrew/4163.htm - 6k

Impure Zeal
... 27. And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of
Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.28. Thus ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/impure zeal.htm

Acts x. 4-Jan
... will give thee its fruit then, when thou art dead."If thou plant, plant not in the
maw of gluttony, that the fruit end not in the draught-house: but plant ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxii acts x 4-jan.htm

Draughthouse

/d/draughthouse.htm - 6k

Draught-house (1 Occurrence)
Draught-house. Draughthouse, Draught-house. Drave . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT). Draughthouse, Draught-house. Drave . Reference Bible
/d/draught-house.htm - 7k

Draught (8 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:17 Mark 7:19): "Closet," "sink" or "privy" (Rheims), literally, "place
for sitting apart" (compare 2 Kings 10:27, "draught-house," and Mishna "water ...
/d/draught.htm - 11k

Drave (13 Occurrences)

/d/drave.htm - 10k

Column (5 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Kings 10:27 and they broke down the column of Baal, and broke down the
house of Baal, and made it a draught-house to this day. (DBY). ...
/c/column.htm - 9k

Standing-pillar (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:27 and break down the standing-pillar of Baal, and break down the house
of Baal, and appoint it for a draught-house unto this day. (YLT). ...
/s/standing-pillar.htm - 7k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house
of Baal, and made it a draughthouse unto this day. (KJV ASV). ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Appoint (114 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:27 and break down the standing-pillar of Baal, and break down the house
of Baal, and appoint it for a draught-house unto this day. (YLT). ...
/a/appoint.htm - 41k

Break (257 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:27 and break down the standing-pillar of Baal, and break down the house
of Baal, and appoint it for a draught-house unto this day. (YLT). ...
/b/break.htm - 46k

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