Deuteronomy 20:1

¶ 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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 20:1 opens a crucial section of God's laws concerning warfare for the nation of Israel. This verse serves as a powerful foundational command and promise for the Israelites as they prepared to enter and conquer the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is part of a larger set of instructions (Deuteronomy 20) given by Moses to the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. It addresses the practical and spiritual aspects of military campaigns, emphasizing that Israel's success would not depend on their numerical superiority or advanced weaponry (like the "horses, and chariots" common among their enemies), but solely on the presence and power of their God. This divine instruction was vital for a people often facing numerically and technologically superior foes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Assistance: The core message is the assurance, "for the LORD thy God is with thee." This declaration is the absolute antidote to fear, reminding Israel that they do not fight alone. God's active involvement in their battles guarantees victory.
  • Conquering Fear: The direct command, "be not afraid of them," highlights the natural human tendency towards fear when facing overwhelming odds. The verse explicitly counters this, positioning faith in God as the ultimate weapon against dread. This echoes themes found throughout scripture, such as Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
  • Remembering Past Deliverance: The phrase, "which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt," serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and miraculous power. The Exodus was the defining moment of Israel's liberation, demonstrating God's ability to overcome any obstacle, including mighty empires like Egypt. This historical deliverance is the basis for their confidence in future conflicts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "be not afraid" (לֹא תִירָא - lo tira) is a strong prohibition, indicating a firm command against succumbing to fear. It's not merely a suggestion but an imperative rooted in the reality of God's presence. Similarly, the declaration "the LORD thy God is with thee" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ עִמָּךְ - YHWH Eloheykha immakh) underscores the personal and covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, a promise of intimate, active support.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 20:1 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. While we may not literally go out to physical battle with horses and chariots, we face various "enemies"—challenges, anxieties, spiritual opposition, and overwhelming circumstances. This verse teaches us:

  • Trust in God's Presence: Our confidence should not be in our own strength, resources, or numbers, but in the unwavering presence of God. Just as He was with Israel, Jesus promised His disciples, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
  • Conquer Fear with Faith: When faced with daunting situations, the command to "be not afraid" is a call to actively choose faith over fear, remembering God's past faithfulness in our lives.
  • Remember God's Deliverances: Reflecting on how God has delivered us in the past (our personal "Exodus" moments) strengthens our faith for current and future struggles. His past track record is the guarantee of His future help.

This verse encourages us to face life's battles with courage, knowing that the God who delivered Israel from Egypt is the same God who is with us, empowering us to overcome.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 32:7 (21 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

    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 (19 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 (17 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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