Deuteronomy 20
Deuteronomy 20:1: Directions Concerning War; Persons Excused from War This passage gives God’s instructions to Israel about war as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Israel was like an army on the move, not yet settled as a nation with its own land. God’s commands here are meant to encourage the soldiers and make war less harsh than usual. The laws show God’s care for his people, both for those who fight and for those who are not able to fight.v. 1: Moses tells the leaders and soldiers not to be afraid, even if their enemies seem stronger or have more horses and chariots. God is with them, just as he was when he brought them out of Egypt, so they do not need to fear the outcome (Isaiah 41:10 a). v. 2-4: Before a battle, a special priest would speak to the soldiers to encourage them. The priest would remind them not to be afraid and to trust God. He tells them that God goes with them to fight for them and to give them victory (v. 3; v. 4 b). This teaches us that having faith in God gives us courage, and armies should have spiritual leaders to pray for and encourage them. – – v. 5-7: Certain men were allowed to go home instead of fighting. If someone had built a new house but not yet lived in it, planted a vineyard but not yet enjoyed its fruit, or was engaged to be married, he could return home. God wanted his people to have joy in the blessings he gave them. This also kept soldiers from being distracted by worries about unfinished things at home (Leviticus 19:23-25; Psalm 30 c; Deuteronomy 24:5 d). – – v. 8: If anyone was afraid or fainthearted, he could also go home. It was better for the army not to have fearful men, because fear can spread quickly and weaken the whole group (Judges 7:3; Isaiah 8:12 e). Sometimes fear comes from a guilty conscience, but it can also come from natural weakness. Allowing these men to leave helped keep the rest of the army strong and united. v. 9: After the fearful and distracted men were dismissed, captains were chosen to lead the soldiers. It was important for leaders to be brave and strong, so they could encourage and guide others. In the same way, Christian leaders must be courageous as they serve and guide God’s people. Deuteronomy 20:10: Proclamations of War; Directions Concerning War This passage gives instructions to Israel about how to act when going to war with other cities and nations. God wanted Israel to act with justice and mercy, even when fighting their enemies. They were required to give fair warning and offer peace before starting a battle. These laws also made sure that war would not be more destructive than necessary and that people and resources would be protected as much as possible.v. 10-11: Before attacking a city, Israel had to first offer peace. If the people accepted the terms and became subjects, worshipping the God of Israel and paying tribute, the war would stop and the new subjects would be protected. Some think even the Canaanite nations received this offer, though others believe they were not allowed to accept peace (Deuteronomy 20:10,11; Joshua 11:20 f). – v. 12-14: If a city refused the offer of peace, Israel would attack. God promised to give them victory. All the men who fought would be killed, but women, children, and property could be taken as spoil. This spoil was allowed by God as a reward for victory in a just war (Deuteronomy 20:13,14; Psalm 44:3 g). – – v. 15: These rules were for cities far away from Israel, not for the cities in Canaan. In distant places, some people could be spared and become part of Israel’s community . v. 16-18: For the Canaanite cities that God gave to Israel, the people were not to be spared. Everything was to be destroyed. This was because the Canaanites practiced idolatry and evil things, and leaving them alive would tempt Israel to sin and turn away from God (Deuteronomy 20:16-18; Deuteronomy 7:2 h). – – v. 19-20: When Israel besieged a city, they were not allowed to destroy fruit trees for building war machines. Fruit trees gave food and were important for life, so they should be protected. Only trees that did not give fruit could be used in the siege. This law teaches us to care for God’s creation and not to waste resources, even in difficult times (Deuteronomy 20:19,20 i). Jesus also taught his followers not to waste what God provides (John 6:12 j).
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