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
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