Deuteronomy 20:1-6

English Standard Version

Laws Concerning Warfare

20 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see ^(A)horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is ^(B)with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. ² And when you draw near to the battle, ^(C)the priest shall come forward and speak to the people ³ and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, ⁴ for the Lord your God is he who goes with you ^(D)to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ ⁵ Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. ⁶ And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not ^(E)enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit.