Deuteronomy 20
Read Deuteronomy 20 (WEB)+
1When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, 3and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; 4for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” 5The officers shall speak to the people, saying, “What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 6What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit. 7What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.” 8The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, “What man is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart melt as his heart.” 9It shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of the people. 10When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. 11It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you. 12If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it. 13When Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword; 14but the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its plunder, you shall take for plunder for yourself. You may use the plunder of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you. 15Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. 16But of the cities of these peoples, that Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes; 17but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as Yahweh your God has commanded you; 18that they not teach you to follow all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so would you sin against Yahweh your God. 19When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; for you may eat of them. You shall not cut them down; for is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged by you? 20Only the trees that you know are not trees for food, you shall destroy and cut them down. You shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it falls.
World English Bible (public domain)
“For the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:4
Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 20 outlines God's principles for warfare as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The chapter begins with God instructing His people not to be afraid when engaging in battle, highlighting that He is with them to fight against their enemies. The presence of God is a key comfort and assurance for the Israelites, reinforcing their faith in divine support. The chapter further describes the process of declaring war, including how to approach potential enemies and the protocols involved in besieging cities. There are specific regulations on how to treat those in war, illustrating the importance of compassion and morality even in the context of conflict. Additionally, the chapter distinguishes between different types of enemies, outlining the necessity to completely destroy certain groups who oppose God's will, while allowing others to be spared for servitude. This reflects the theme of divine judgment and the serious nature of sin against God. The balance between justice and mercy in warfare serves to illustrate broader theological themes of God's sovereignty, holiness, and righteousness. Ultimately, the chapter emphasizes reliance on God's strength and the importance of following divine instructions in all endeavors, particularly in challenging situations like warfare. The theological significance of this chapter rests in its reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding them through difficult decisions and circumstances. It invites believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to conduct themselves with integrity and respect towards others, even in difficult times. This chapter lays a foundation for understanding the holiness and righteousness that God demands from His people as they navigate a morally complex world.
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