Deuteronomy 20:1-9

1599 Geneva Bible

20 3 The exhortation of the Priest when the Israelites go to battle. 5 The exhortation of the officers showing who should go to battle. 10 Peace must be first proclaimed. 19 The trees that bear fruit must not be destroyed.

¹ When ^[a]thou shalt go forth to war against thine enemies, and shalt see horses and chariots, and people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt.

² And when ye are come near unto the battle, then the Priest shall come forth to speak unto the people,

³ And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye are come this day unto battle against your enemies: ^(A)let not your hearts faint, neither fear, nor be amazed, nor a dread of them.

⁴ For the Lord your God ^[b]goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, and to save you.

⁵ ¶ And let the officers speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not ^[c]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 there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not ^[d]eaten of the fruit? let him go to return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another eat the fruit.

⁷ And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in battle, and another man take her.

⁸ And let the officers speak further unto the people, and say, ^(B)Whosoever is afraid and faint hearted, let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint like his heart.

⁹ And after that the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, they shall make captains of the army to govern the people.