Light and Darkness 82

Following the defeat of the Midianite clans who seduced Israel to physical and spiritual adultery at Peor, Moses instructed Israel's military leaders to remain "outside the camp". This was in conformity to the purification requirements of Numbers 19, where those who came in contact with a dead body were ceremonially unclean for seven days. In addition to their bodies and clothing, all the spoils from Midian were to be purified by fire and then ash-water, or only the ash-water for perishable items. At the end of seven days they were allowed into Israel's community in the presence of Yahweh-God.