Deuteronomy 20:1

KJV

¶ When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou goest out {H3318} to battle {H4421} against thine enemies {H341}, and seest {H7200} horses {H5483}, and chariots {H7393}, and a people {H5971} more {H7227} than thou, be not afraid {H3372} of them: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} is with thee, which brought thee up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you go out to fight your enemies and see horses, chariots and a force larger than yours, you are not to be afraid of them; because ADONAI your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.

Berean Standard Bible

When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.

American Standard Version

When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:1 initiates God's detailed instructions for warfare, providing the Israelites with an essential command and profound reassurance as they stood poised to conquer the Promised Land. It directly addresses the natural human fear of numerically and technologically superior enemies, instructing them to overcome such apprehension by placing their unwavering trust in the unfailing presence and power of Yahweh, who had already demonstrated His omnipotence by miraculously delivering them from the formidable bondage of Egypt. This verse establishes the theological bedrock for all subsequent military engagements, emphasizing divine presence over human might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening declaration of Deuteronomy chapter 20, a pivotal section dedicated to the laws governing Israel's conduct in warfare. It is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse, specifically within the legal corpus (Deuteronomy 12-26) that delineates the covenant stipulations for the nascent nation. Preceding this chapter are laws concerning various aspects of Israelite life, including clean and unclean foods, tithes, and religious festivals. Chapter 20 then transitions sharply to the practical and spiritual dimensions of military campaigns, outlining exemptions from service, the protocol for offering peace before a siege, and guidelines for the treatment of conquered cities. Verse 1 functions as the foundational spiritual and psychological principle for these regulations, firmly establishing that Israel's confidence in battle must stem from divine presence and trust in God, rather than reliance on human military strength or strategy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this address, the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, on the precipice of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. They were a relatively unseasoned nation, largely lacking extensive experience in large-scale warfare against the well-established, fortified city-states and technologically advanced armies that populated Canaan. The specific mention of "horses, and chariots" is highly significant, as these represented the most formidable military assets of their Canaanite and surrounding adversaries, akin to modern armored divisions. This command directly confronts the inherent fear and apprehension Israel would naturally experience when confronting such superior forces. It starkly contrasts with the prevailing ancient Near Eastern reliance on military might and the patronage of national deities of war, instead asserting Yahweh's unique sovereignty and His active, personal involvement as Israel's true and ultimate strength in battle.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty in Warfare:** The verse unequivocally declares that Israel's success in battle is not contingent upon their numerical advantage or superior weaponry, but solely upon the active presence and omnipotent power of the Lord. This theme is absolutely crucial for shaping Israel's identity as a people utterly dependent on Yahweh, not their own strength—a principle powerfully echoed throughout their history, as seen in David's declaration to Goliath: "The battle is the LORD's" [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Lord Saves Not with Sword and Spear").
* **Overcoming Fear through Faith:** The direct and emphatic command, "be not afraid of them," directly addresses the natural human inclination toward fear when confronted with overwhelming odds. The verse explicitly counters this fear, positioning steadfast faith in God's active presence as the ultimate antidote to dread, aligning with the broader biblical call to courage that is deeply rooted in divine assurance. This concept is beautifully articulated in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"), where God promises His unwavering support.
* **The Exodus as a Paradigm:** The concluding phrase, "which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt," serves as a powerful and foundational reminder of God's past faithfulness and miraculous power. The Exodus was the defining moment of Israel's liberation, demonstrating God's unparalleled ability to overcome any obstacle, including the mightiest empire of the ancient world. This historical deliverance is presented as the irrefutable basis for their confidence in facing future conflicts, establishing a consistent pattern of divine intervention and salvation, as vividly depicted in [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Firm and See the Salvation of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Goest out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_):** This primitive root (H3318) signifies "to go out" or "to come forth," used in a vast array of applications. In this context, it specifically refers to the act of engaging in military conflict, initiating confrontation. It implies a deliberate, active movement towards the enemy, setting the stage for the subsequent command and reassurance.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This primitive root (H3372) means "to fear," but can also imply reverence. Here, in the negative imperative ("be not afraid"), it denotes a strong prohibition against succumbing to paralyzing terror or dread in the face of a superior enemy. It's a command to overcome natural apprehension through faith, rather than merely a suggestion.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This proper noun (H3068) is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "the LORD." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The presence of Yahweh, the God who keeps His word and has demonstrated His power, is the absolute guarantee and antidote to Israel's fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies":** This opening clause immediately establishes the specific context: a situation of direct military engagement. It acknowledges the reality that Israel will face hostile forces and sets the stage for the instruction that follows, indicating that God's laws apply even in the most perilous circumstances.
* **"and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou":** This phrase vividly describes the overwhelming odds Israel would frequently encounter. "Horses and chariots" represent the peak of ancient military technology and power, symbolizing the formidable strength of their adversaries. The mention of "a people more than thou" underscores the numerical disadvantage, highlighting the natural human tendency to fear when facing such a superior force.
* **"be not afraid of them":** This is the central, imperative command of the verse. It directly counters the expected human reaction to the daunting sight of the enemy. This is not merely a suggestion but a divine injunction, calling Israel to an act of courage and faith that transcends their sensory perception and military assessment.
* **"for the LORD thy God [is] with thee":** This provides the profound theological foundation and the ultimate reason for the command not to fear. The active, covenantal presence of Yahweh, Israel's personal and sovereign God, is presented as the absolute and sufficient antidote to any fear. It emphasizes His unwavering support and intimate involvement with His people.
* **"which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt":** This concluding phrase serves as the powerful historical proof and unwavering reminder of God's past faithfulness and omnipotence. The Exodus is invoked as the definitive, undeniable demonstration of God's ability to deliver His people from any enemy, no matter how powerful, providing a concrete and irrefutable basis for their confidence in all future conflicts.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:1 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Apostrophe** is clearly evident in Moses' direct, personal address to the Israelites ("thou goest out," "be not afraid"), which creates an immediate, urgent, and intimate tone. **Contrast** is a central element, starkly pitting Israel's perceived military weakness (numerical inferiority, lack of chariots) against the infinite strength and unwavering presence of God. The enumeration of "horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou" effectively utilizes **asyndeton** (the deliberate omission of conjunctions in a series) to create a rapid, overwhelming impression of the enemy's formidable might, thereby intensifying the perceived threat that Israel is explicitly commanded not to fear. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **admonition** ("be not afraid") immediately followed by a profound **reassurance** ("for the LORD thy God is with thee"), with the historical **allusion** to the Exodus serving as the ultimate and irrefutable warrant for the divine promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse establishes a foundational principle for Israel's very existence and their approach to warfare: their true strength is not derived from human might, military technology, or numerical superiority, but from the active, covenantal presence of Yahweh. It teaches that genuine security and ultimate victory are rooted in divine faithfulness and omnipotence, rather than in human capability or strategic prowess. This profound theological truth transcends the specific context of ancient warfare, speaking directly to the nature of faith and absolute dependence on God in all facets of life. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people and His sovereign control over historical outcomes, reminding them that the same God who miraculously delivered them from the bondage of Egypt is the very God who goes before them into every battle, ensuring that fear is decisively overcome by unwavering trust in His unfailing and powerful presence.
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:1 offers profoundly relevant spiritual lessons for believers navigating the multifaceted "battles" of life today. While we are no longer called to literal military conquest, we continually face spiritual opposition, overwhelming challenges, anxieties, and circumstances that often appear far greater than our own strength or resources. This verse calls us to confront our fears not with self-reliance, denial, or despair, but with a steadfast, active trust in the living God. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Lord's active, covenantal presence is the ultimate antidote to fear, empowering us to face even the most daunting situations with courage and resolve. Just as Israel was commanded to remember the miraculous deliverance of the Exodus, we are called to recall God's past faithfulness and specific deliverances in our own lives, using these personal "Ebenezers" as unshakeable anchors for our faith in present and future trials. Our confidence, therefore, is not in the size of our resources or the sophistication of our strategies, but in the unwavering, active presence of the Almighty God who has already proven His boundless power to deliver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horses and chariots"—meaning overwhelming challenges, anxieties, or perceived superior opposition—are you currently facing in your life?**
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness and specific deliverances in your own life (your personal "Exodus" moments) strengthen your faith for present struggles?**
* **In what practical, concrete ways can you choose to "be not afraid" by actively trusting in the Lord's constant presence amidst your current difficulties?**

### FAQ
**Why is "horses and chariots" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Horses and chariots represented the pinnacle of ancient military technology and power. Nations like Egypt and the Canaanites possessed formidable chariot forces, making them a symbol of overwhelming might and a primary source of fear for infantry-based armies like Israel's. By specifically mentioning them, the text directly addresses the most intimidating aspect of the enemy's strength, emphasizing that even against such superior weaponry, Israel was not to fear, because their God was greater than any human military advantage. This highlights God's ability to overcome any earthly power, as powerfully demonstrated in the miraculous destruction of Pharaoh's chariots at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "holy war" in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 20:1 serves as the crucial spiritual and theological foundation for the laws of holy war detailed in the rest of the chapter. It establishes that Israel's warfare was fundamentally distinct from that of other nations; it was not based on human aggression, territorial expansion, or military might, but on divine command, divine authorization, and, most importantly, divine presence. The battles were ultimately the Lord's battles, fought with His explicit permission and His omnipotent power. This verse immediately sets the tone by shifting focus from human fear and military disparity to God's active involvement and past deliverance, ensuring that Israel's approach to conflict was rooted in faith and obedience to Yahweh, rather than conventional military strategy or fear of the enemy. The subsequent rules, such as offering peace or specific instructions for siege, flow directly from this initial theological premise of God's sovereignty in warfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual depth in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel faced literal physical enemies with horses and chariots, believers in Christ face spiritual battles against far more insidious foes: "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood"). The imperative command "be not afraid" resonates with even greater power in the New Covenant, where Christ Himself promises His constant, abiding presence: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission"). Just as God miraculously delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, Jesus, the true Lamb of God, has delivered us from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, accomplishing a far greater and eternal "Exodus" [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness"). Our confidence in facing life's overwhelming challenges, anxieties, and spiritual opposition is not rooted in our own strength or finite resources, but in the resurrected Christ who has already decisively triumphed over every enemy, including sin and death [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ"), and whose indwelling Spirit empowers us to live courageously in His victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?