Rules of Warfare

20 “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots, an army larger than your own, do not fear them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.^{(A) 2} Before you engage in battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the troops ³ and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel! Today you are drawing near to do battle against your enemies. Do not lose heart or be afraid or panic or be in dread of them,^{(B) 4} for it is the Lord your God who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory.’^{(C) 5} Then the officers shall address the troops, saying, ‘Has anyone built a new house but not dedicated it? He should go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another dedicate it. ⁶ Has anyone planted a vineyard but not yet enjoyed its fruit? He should go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another be first to enjoy its fruit.^{(D) 7} Has anyone become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? He should go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another marry her.’^{(E) 8} The officers shall continue to address the troops, saying, ‘Is anyone afraid or disheartened? He should go back to his house, or he might cause the heart of his comrades to melt like his own.’^{(F) 9} When the officers have finished addressing the troops, then the commanders shall take charge of them.