Deuteronomy 20:1-9

New International Version

Going to War

20 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours,^(A) do not be afraid^(B) of them,^(C) because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with^(D) you. ² When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. ³ He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted^(E) or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. ⁴ For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you^(F) to fight^(G) for you against your enemies to give you victory.^(H)”

⁵ The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in^(I) it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. ⁶ Has anyone planted^(J) a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it?^(K) Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. ⁷ Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.^(L)” ⁸ Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”^{(M) 9} When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.