Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 20 outlines laws related to warfare, instructing Israel on how to approach battles with surrounding nations. It emphasizes trust in God, proper conduct during war, and mercy towards certain groups. The chapter reflects God's desire for justice and righteousness even in times of conflict, along with specific provisions for protecting lives and sparing certain enemies under certain conditions.

Deuteronomy 20:1-3 (NKJV)
1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
2 So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people.
3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them.’”

The Israelites were encouraged to have courage, even when facing an intimidating enemy. God reminds them of His deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing His ongoing presence in battle. The role of the priest was to speak faith into the people, reminding them that they need not fear because God fights for them. This reflects the importance of trust in God over military strength.

Deuteronomy 20:4 (NKJV)
4 “For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

The assurance is given that God Himself would be present with the Israelites in battle. Victory would not come from their own abilities but from God's intervention. This verse reinforces that Israel’s strength comes from God's saving power and serves as a reminder of divine protection and favor in warfare.

Deuteronomy 20:5-7 (NKJV)
5 “Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying: ‘What man is there who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.
6 Also, what man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eat of it.
7 And what man is there who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.’”

These verses show God’s compassion toward individuals in special circumstances. Soldiers who had just built a house, planted a vineyard, or were engaged were exempt from battle. This preserved family life and ensured that important milestones were not missed. It also served to keep the army filled with those who were focused and committed to the battle at hand.

Deuteronomy 20:8 (NKJV)
8 “The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.’”

God acknowledges that fear can spread, weakening the army's morale. Those who were afraid were allowed to return home so that their fear would not discourage others. This instruction highlights the importance of unity and confidence in God's protection among those who fight.

Deuteronomy 20:9 (NKJV)
9 “And so it shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.”

After the instructions and exemptions were given, leaders were appointed to guide the remaining soldiers into battle. The establishment of clear leadership was crucial for maintaining order and strategy in war, ensuring that the troops would follow strong, capable commanders.

Deuteronomy 20:10-12 (NKJV)
10 “When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it.
11 And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you.
12 Now if the city will not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.”

Before attacking a city, the Israelites were to offer peace. If the city accepted, its people would become subject to Israel but be spared from destruction. However, if the city rejected peace and chose war, Israel was instructed to besiege it. This demonstrates God's preference for mercy and peace when possible, but also the necessity of justice when peace was refused.

Deuteronomy 20:13-14 (NKJV)
13 “And when the Lord your God delivers it into your hands, you shall strike every male in it with the edge of the sword.
14 But the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and you shall eat the enemies’ plunder which the Lord your God gives you.”

If the city resisted and was conquered, the men were to be killed, while women, children, and livestock could be spared and taken as plunder. This reflects the practice of total victory in war at the time, but also God's provision for Israel, allowing them to benefit materially from the victory.

Deuteronomy 20:15-16 (NKJV)
15 “Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations.
16 But of the cities of these peoples which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive.”

For distant cities, the rules of offering peace applied. However, for cities within the land of Canaan that Israel was to inherit, God commanded that no one was to be spared. This harsh directive was tied to ensuring that Israel would not be influenced by the corrupt practices and idolatry of the Canaanites, as it was crucial to maintain the purity of Israel's worship.

Deuteronomy 20:17-18 (NKJV)
17 “But you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you,
18 lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the Lord your God.”

The total destruction of the Canaanite nations was commanded to prevent Israel from adopting their wicked practices. These nations were known for idolatry and detestable customs, which could lead Israel away from God. The destruction was a means of preserving Israel's spiritual integrity and covenant with God.

Deuteronomy 20:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “When you besiege a city for a long time, while making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; if you can eat of them, do not cut them down to use in the siege, for the tree of the field is man’s food.
20 Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, to build siegeworks against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued.”

Even in warfare, God commanded the Israelites to respect nature. Fruit trees, which provided sustenance, were to be spared, while only non-fruit-bearing trees could be used for building siege equipment. This law reflects God's concern for life and sustainability, even during times of conflict, showing the balance between warfare and stewardship of the land.