Deuteronomy 20:1-9

Living Bible

20 “When you go to war and see before you vast numbers of horses and chariots, an army far greater than yours, don’t be frightened! The Lord your God is with you—the same God who brought you safely out of Egypt! ² Before you begin the battle, a priest shall stand before the Israeli army and say,

³ “‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Don’t be afraid as you go out to fight today! ⁴ For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you the victory!’

⁵ “Then the officers of the army shall address the men in this manner: ‘Has anyone just built a new house but not yet dedicated it? If so, go home! For you might be killed in the battle, and someone else would dedicate it! ⁶ Has anyone just planted a vineyard but not yet eaten any of its fruit? If so, go home! You might die in battle and someone else would eat it! ⁷ Has anyone just become engaged? Well, go home and get married! For you might die in the battle, and someone else would marry your fiancée. ⁸ And now, is anyone afraid? If you are, go home before you frighten the rest of us!’ ⁹ When the officers have finished saying this to their men, they will announce the names of the battalion leaders.