Deuteronomy 20:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1

Horses, and chariots - The most formidable elements of an Oriental host, which the Canaanites possessed in great numbers; compare Joshua 17:16; Jdg 4:3; 1 Samuel 13:5. Israel could not match these with corresponding forces (compare Deuteronomy 17:16 note and references), but, having the God of battles on its side, was not to be dismayed by them; the assumption being that the war had the sanction of God, and was consequently just. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 20:1

Deuteronomy 20:1. When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies The land of Canaan being to be gained by conquest, in a war of God’s special appointment; and the Israelites, after their settlement in it, being likely to be exposed to invasions from, or quarrels with the neighbouring nations, Moses judged it necessary to leave them some standing rules for their conduct in both these kinds of war. The first and great rule was, to commit their cause to God, depending with entire... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Rules for war (20:1-20)God’s people were to have confidence in the wars that lay before them, knowing that God was on their side. That did not mean they could be half-hearted or inefficient in the way they planned and fought. All had to give themselves fully to the task before them. Nevertheless, the law temporarily excused some people from military service, such as those who had recently committed themselves to something that could be ruined if they were suddenly called away to the battlefield... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Deuteronomy 20:1

enemies. Hebrew text has singular, but some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, Syriac, and Vulgate, read the plural, as Authorized Version. the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1

This whole chapter deals with the holy war that Israel was about to wage against the kingdoms of Canaan, and there are also some special instructions applicable to war against distant cities, envisioning a time when Israel, secure in its own boundaries, would be involved in war with nations outside the boundaries of Canaan.The most notable part of the chapter is in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, where is recorded the Divine Commission looking to the utter destruction of the nations of Canaan, that... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1

Ver. 1. And chariots— See Judges 4:3. These chariots were of iron, and sometimes armed with scythes, which rendered them very formidable. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1

1. When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies—In the approaching invasion of Canaan, or in any just and defensive war, the Israelites had reason to expect the presence and favor of God. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Deuteronomy 20:1-20

War ch. 20These instructions deal with how Israel was to come into possession of the Promised Land (cf. Numbers 33:50-56). They are in the context of civil legislation because Israel did not have a standing army. Soldiers volunteered to go into battle as needed. Warfare and its prosecution are relevant to the subject of killing and thus to the sixth commandment. This section provided a "manual of warfare" for the Israelites outlining their attitude and approach to national enemies. [Note:... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Laws of Warfare1. Horses and chariots] The army of the Israelites was chiefly composed of infantry: see on Deuteronomy 17:16. 2. The priest] It is implied that the priests accompany the hosts of Israel into battle: see on Numbers 10:9. Hence the Heb. phrase ’to consecrate a war, or warriors,’ usually rendered to ’prepare’: see Joel 3:9 mg.; Isaiah 13:3.5-9. From Numbers 1:3 it would appear that all able-bodied men from twenty years of age were liable to military service. But the evils of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Deuteronomy 20:1

XX.LAWS OF WARFARE.(1) When thou goest out to battle—i.e., generally; not only in the immediate conquest of Canaan. Yet it may be observed that in the writings of Moses it is foreseen that the completion of the conquest will be gradual, and that Israel will have to go to battle many times before all enemies are overcome.Horses and chariots.—The Israelitish army was chiefly, or rather entirely, composed of infantry, in most of the great victories won by them. read more

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