Deuteronomy 20:1-9

Expanded Bible

Laws for War

20 When you go to war against your enemies and you see horses and chariots and an army that is bigger than yours, don’t be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you. ² The priest must ·come [approach] and speak to the army before you ·go into [engage in] battle. ³ He will say, “Listen, Israel! Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Don’t lose ·your courage [^Lheart] or be afraid. Don’t panic or be ·frightened [in dread], ⁴ because the Lord your God goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies and to ·save you [give you the victory].”

⁵ The ·officers [or scribes] should say to the army, “·Has anyone [^LWho has] built a new house but not ·given it to God [dedicated it]? He may go home, because he might die in battle and someone else would ·get to give his house to God [dedicate it]. ⁶ ·Has anyone [^LWho has] planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? He may go home, because he might die in battle and someone else would enjoy his vineyard. ⁷ ·Is any man [^LWho is] engaged to a woman and not yet married to her? He may go home, because he might die in battle and someone else would marry her.” ⁸ Then the ·officers [or scribes] should also say, “Is anyone here afraid? Has anyone lost ·his courage [^Lheart]? He may go home so that he will not ·cause others to lose their courage, too [^Lmelt the hearts of his relatives/brothers like his heart].” ⁹ When the ·officers [scribes] finish speaking to the army, they should appoint commanders to lead it.