The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Fear not” it comes from the Hebrew Word “yare” which means “to fear.”
Moses gives Israel specific instructions for how to approach the battles still ahead of them. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Deuteronomy 20.
Moses instructs Israel not to be afraid when going out to battle against enemies with more horses and chariots than they have, “for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Before battle, a priest is to address the army directly, reminding them not to faint or be afraid, since God goes with them to fight for them and save them.
Officers are then instructed to send home anyone who has just built a new house without dedicating it, planted a vineyard without yet eating its fruit, become engaged but not yet married, or who is simply fearful and fainthearted, “lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart,” ensuring the remaining army consists only of those genuinely ready and willing to fight.
For cities far from the promised land itself, Israel is instructed to first offer peace, and if accepted, the inhabitants become tributary servants rather than being destroyed. If the offer of peace is refused, Israel is to kill every male but may keep the women, children, livestock, and spoil for themselves. For the specific nations within Canaan itself, however, Moses commands complete destruction, “thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth,” since their corrupting influence could otherwise lead Israel into the same detestable practices that would provoke sin against the Lord. Finally, Moses forbids destroying fruit trees when laying siege to a city, since trees, unlike people, cannot flee or fight, and should be preserved for food.
The provision allowing fearful or newly-settled men to return home before battle reflects real, practical compassion woven into even the harsh realities of ancient warfare. God’s instructions for war still made room for individual circumstances and genuine human limitation, rather than demanding blind, uniform participation from everyone.
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