Deuteronomy 20:1-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:1-9

Israel was at this time to be considered rather as a camp than as a kingdom, entering upon an enemy's country, and not yet settled in a country of their own; and, besides the war they were now entering upon in order to their settlement, even after their settlement they could neither protect nor enlarge their coast without hearing the alarms of war. It was therefore needful that they should have directions given them in their military affairs; and in these verses they are directed in managing,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:1

When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies ,.... There were two sorts of war the Israelites were engaged in, one commanded and another permitted, as Maimonides F3 Hilchot Melachim, c. 7. sect. 1. distinguishes; one was by the order and appointment of God, as against the seven nations of Canaan; the other was voluntary and arbitrary, which was left to their own discretion and will, as they saw fit, when they were provoked or distressed, or were invaded by their enemies, or they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:2

When all things are preparing for it, and it seems unavoidable: that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people ; not any priest, but one appointed for this service; who is called the anointed of war , as Jarchi and Aben Ezra observe, and concerning whom Maimonides F4 Hilchot Melachim, c. 7. sect. 1,2. is more particular; he says,"they appoint a priest to speak to the people at the time of war, and they anoint him with the anointing oil, and he is called the anointed of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:3

And shall say unto them, hear, O Israel ,.... Exciting their attention to what he was about to say, and which, as Jarchi observes, was spoken in the holy tongue, or in the Hebrew language: you approach this day unto battle against your enemies ; were marching or ready to march, preparing to engage with them, and a battle seemed near at hand: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them ; many words are made use of to animate them... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:4

For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you ,.... To battle, and therefore they had no reason to fear and be dismayed, to be fainthearted, terrified, and tremble: fear not, I am with thee ,.... Isaiah 41:10 , this, according to the Misnah F6 Ut supra. (Misn. Sotab, c. 8. sect. 1.) , respects the ark, and so Jarchi, which was a symbol of the divine Presence, and went with them to battle; see Joshua 6:4 . to fight for you against your enemies, to save you ; to annoy and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:5

And the officers shall speak unto the people ,.... What these officers were is not easy to say; they seem not to be officers of the army, for they are distinguished from captains of the armies, Deuteronomy 20:9 , unless they can be thought to be general officers; but the word for them is the same that is used of such that attended the judges and were ministers to them, Deuteronomy 16:18 , and perhaps they were a sort of heralds that published and proclaimed what the anointed of war had... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:1

When thou goest out to battle - This refers chiefly to the battles they were to have with the Canaanites, in order to get possession of the promised land; for it cannot be considered to apply to any wars which they might have with the surrounding nations for political reasons, as the Divine assistance could not be expected in wars which were not undertaken by the Divine command. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:2

The priest shall approach, and speak unto the people - The priest on these occasions was the representative of that God whose servant he was, and whose worship he conducted. It is remarkable that almost all ancient nations took their priests with them to battle, as they did not expect success without having the object of their adoration with them, and they supposed they secured his presence by having that of his representative. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:5

That hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? - From the title of Psalm 30:1-12 , - A Psalm or Song at the Dedication of the House of David - it is evident that it was a custom in Israel to dedicate a new house to God with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving; and this was done in order to secure the Divine presence and blessing, for no pious or sensible man could imagine he could dwell safely in a house that was not under the immediate protection of God. Hence it has been a custom... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 1When thou goest out to battle. This law also, which concerns their political government, is a Supplement to the First Commandment, enacting that they should carry on their wars under the auspices of God, and, trusting in His help, should follow Him as their leader. For it behoved them to give this proof of their piety, so as to look to God not less in war than in peace, and not to rest their hopes of safety on anything but the invocation of His name. Whence we gather that the worship... read more

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