1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
4 For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
6 And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it? let him [also] go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.
7 And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.
9 And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.
10 When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
11 And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, [that] all the people [that is] found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.
12 And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
13 And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:
14 But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
15 Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities [which are] very far off from thee, which [are] not of the cities of these nations.
16 But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
18 That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.
19 When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field [is] man’s [life]) to employ [them] in the siege:
20 Only the trees which thou knowest that they [be] not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued.
Overview of Deuteronomy Chapter 20
Deuteronomy Chapter 20 provides a detailed account of the laws and regulations concerning warfare for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter outlines the procedures for engaging in battle, the conduct expected from the soldiers, and the treatment of conquered peoples.
Key Themes
- Divine Assurance: The chapter emphasizes that God will be with the Israelites in battle, providing them with confidence and support.
- Preparation for War: Instructions are given on how to prepare for warfare, including the roles of the officers and the exemption of certain individuals from combat.
- Moral Conduct: Guidelines are established for the ethical treatment of enemies and the conduct of the Israelites during warfare.
- Conquest and Destruction: The chapter discusses the fate of cities that resist Israelite rule and the treatment of those who surrender.
Detailed Analysis
1. Divine Assurance in Warfare (Verses 1-4)
The chapter begins by addressing the Israelites’ fears when facing their enemies. God reassures them that they should not be afraid, as He will fight for them. This assurance is crucial for maintaining morale and faith among the troops.
- The presence of God is highlighted as a source of strength.
- Soldiers are reminded that their victory is not solely based on their numbers or strength but on divine intervention.
2. Exemptions from Battle (Verses 5-8)
Specific exemptions are outlined for those who may be excused from military service. This inclusion reflects a concern for the well-being of the community and the importance of maintaining morale among the troops.
- Individuals who have built a new house, planted a vineyard, or are newly married are allowed to return home.
- These exemptions serve to ensure that personal responsibilities are not neglected, which could lead to resentment among the soldiers.
3. Officers’ Role and Encouragement (Verse 9)
After the exemptions, officers are instructed to encourage the troops. This highlights the importance of leadership and morale in warfare.
- Effective communication from leaders is essential for maintaining unity and purpose among the soldiers.
- Encouragement serves to bolster confidence and reduce fear, which is vital in battle situations.
4. Treatment of Conquered Cities (Verses 10-15)
The chapter outlines the approach to cities that are encountered during the conquest. The Israelites are instructed to offer peace first, which reflects a preference for diplomacy over conflict.
- If a city accepts the offer of peace, its inhabitants are to be treated as subjects and may serve the Israelites.
- If the city resists, it is to be besieged, and its inhabitants are to be killed, with specific instructions on the treatment of women and children.
5. Total Destruction of Certain Cities (Verses 16-18)
In contrast, the chapter specifies that certain cities, particularly those of the Canaanites, are to be completely destroyed. This command is rooted in the belief that these nations are corrupt and pose a spiritual danger to Israel.
- The destruction serves both as a means of judgment against these nations and as a way to prevent Israel from adopting their practices.
- This aspect raises ethical questions about warfare and the treatment of conquered peoples.
6. Environmental Considerations (Verses 19-20)
The chapter concludes with instructions regarding the treatment of trees during a siege. The Israelites are commanded not to destroy fruit-bearing trees, emphasizing the importance of preserving resources.
- This reflects a broader principle of stewardship and respect for creation, even in times of conflict.
- The distinction between useful and non-useful trees illustrates a strategic approach to warfare that considers long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy Chapter 20 serves as a critical guide for the Israelites as they prepare for warfare, emphasizing the importance of divine support, moral conduct, and strategic considerations. The chapter balances the harsh realities of conquest with ethical guidelines, reflecting the complexities of ancient warfare and the values of the Israelite community.
