Deuteronomy 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God assures the people that they need not fear their enemies, even if they are outnumbered or outmatched (vv. 1-4). Priests are to address the troops before battle to encourage them not to be afraid.

Key verse

“for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
Deuteronomy 20:4 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 20:1–4 God's Assurance in Battle
Deuteronomy 20:5–8 Exemptions from Battle
Deuteronomy 20:9 Appointment of Captains
Deuteronomy 20:10–14 Conducting Warfare
Deuteronomy 20:15–18 Destruction of Certain Nations
Deuteronomy 20:19–20 Preservation of Resources

Discussion questions

In v1, what does 'Yahweh your God' promise the Israelites when they go to battle?
What act does the priest perform in v2 before the battle begins?
In vv. 13-14, why are the Israelites commanded to strike 'every male' in defeated cities?
What does the phrase 'you shall save alive nothing that breathes' in v16 imply about divine judgment?
When have you felt fear in a challenging situation, similar to the soldiers in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 20: Joshua 23, Isaiah 41, Joshua 1.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 21.