Deuteronomy 20:2

KJV

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh {H7126} unto the battle {H4421}, that the priest {H3548} shall approach {H5066} and speak {H1696} unto the people {H5971},

Complete Jewish Bible

When you are about to go into battle, the cohen is to come forward and address the people.

Berean Standard Bible

When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:2 lays the groundwork for ancient Israelite military engagement, establishing the indispensable role of the priest in preparing the army for conflict. This verse mandates that as the soldiers approach the battlefront, the priest is to step forward and address the people, underscoring that Israel's military endeavors were not merely human undertakings but sacred enterprises under divine oversight, necessitating spiritual counsel and encouragement before any physical confrontation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial legal section (Deuteronomy 20:1-9) detailing the ordinances of warfare for Israel as they stood poised to enter and conquer the Promised Land. It immediately follows general exhortations for covenant faithfulness and precedes specific exemptions from military service, such as for those who had built a new house, planted a vineyard, were betrothed, or were fearful. The priest's address, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 20:2-4](/deuteronomy/20-2-4 "Deuteronomy 20:2-4 - The Priest's Address Before Battle"), serves as the spiritual prelude to any engagement, setting a tone of absolute dependence on God's presence and power. It is an integral part of the broader Deuteronomic framework that emphasizes Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and the necessity of obedience in all aspects of life, including the highly consequential act of warfare.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, warfare was invariably accompanied by religious rituals, but Israel's practices were distinct due to their monotheistic faith and exclusive covenant with Yahweh. This passage reflects the unique concept of "holy war" in Israel, where battles were fought under divine command and for divine purposes, rather than solely for territorial expansion or plunder. The priest, as a representative of God and guardian of the Law, played a vital role in mediating between the divine and human realms. His presence and address before battle would have served to remind the people of their identity as God's chosen nation and to instill confidence rooted in divine promises, countering the natural anxieties of impending combat. This ritual underscores the belief that Israel's strength came not from its military might but from the LORD who fought on their behalf, a stark contrast to the polytheistic armies of their neighbors.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 20:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Presence in Warfare**, emphasizing that Israel's battles were not fought alone but with the LORD as their ultimate warrior, a theme explicitly stated by the priest in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel"). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Spiritual Leadership and Encouragement**, as the priest's role was to be a conduit of God's assurance, bolstering the morale and faith of the troops. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on leaders who guide the people in reliance on God, as seen in figures like Moses and Joshua. Thirdly, the passage implicitly promotes **Trust Over Fear**, by providing a spiritual antidote to the natural anxieties of battle. The priest's address was designed to redirect the soldiers' focus from their own limitations to God's limitless power, echoing the frequent command to "be strong and courageous" found throughout the book, such as in [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term (H3548) refers to an individual from the tribe of Levi, specifically the lineage of Aaron, who was consecrated to serve in the tabernacle/temple. The _kôhên_ acted as a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and providing divine instruction. In this context, his presence and address signify that the impending battle is not merely a secular affair but a sacred undertaking under divine sanction and oversight, requiring spiritual guidance and a reminder of God's covenant.
* **Come nigh (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This verb (H7126) means "to draw near" or "to come close." It often carries a formal or ritualistic connotation, implying a deliberate and purposeful movement, especially in a sacred context. The army's act of "coming nigh" to the battle line is not casual; it describes their physical proximity to the conflict, which then triggers the formal and necessary spiritual preparation led by the priest, underscoring the solemnity and divine nature of the upcoming conflict.
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) denotes a formal, authoritative declaration or utterance, rather than casual conversation. When used in the context of a divine representative, it implies the communication of God's will, instruction, or assurance. The priest's "speaking" to the people is therefore a divinely inspired address, intended to convey specific spiritual truths and commands that would prepare the army's hearts and minds for battle, instilling courage and faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise timing and critical context for the ensuing ritual. It indicates that the priest's address is to occur at the very threshold of military engagement, when the army is physically close to the conflict. This proximity highlights the immediate need for divine assurance and spiritual preparation before the physical confrontation begins, underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of the priest's role.
* **"that the priest shall approach"**: This segment identifies the specific individual responsible for initiating the pre-battle ritual – the priest. His action of "approaching" the people signifies his active involvement in the military sphere, bringing the sacred presence and word of God directly to the front lines. It emphasizes that spiritual leadership is not distant or detached but actively engaged with the people in their moments of greatest need and peril.
* **"and speak unto the people,"**: This final clause specifies the priest's primary duty: to deliver a formal, authoritative address to the assembled army. This speech is not merely a tactical briefing but a spiritual exhortation, designed to instill courage, remind the soldiers of God's covenant promises, and orient their hearts towards divine reliance rather than human strength. It establishes the spiritual foundation for the entire military campaign.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. It functions primarily as a **Prescriptive Law**, outlining a specific, mandatory procedure for the Israelites before engaging in warfare, thereby establishing a divine ordinance for their military conduct. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the deliberate placement of the priest's role at the very beginning of the battle preparations. This highlights the paramount importance of spiritual readiness and divine sanction over purely military strategy. Furthermore, it serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the detailed content of the priest's address that is elaborated in the subsequent verses ([Deuteronomy 20:3-4](/deuteronomy/20-3-4 "Deuteronomy 20:3-4 - The Priest's Exhortation")). The structure of the command, starting with the conditional "when ye are come nigh," followed by the direct instruction, provides a clear and unambiguous directive for the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:2 profoundly illustrates the unique nature of Israel's relationship with God, particularly in the context of warfare. It demonstrates that for ancient Israel, military engagements were not secular affairs but deeply spiritual undertakings, where divine presence and intervention were paramount. The priest's mandated role signifies that true victory was not contingent on human might or strategic brilliance alone, but on God's active participation and the people's faithful obedience. This verse underscores the biblical principle that in all of life's "battles," spiritual leadership and reliance on God's word are essential for courage, clarity, and ultimate success. It establishes a pattern where the spiritual dimension precedes and undergirds the physical, reminding believers that their strength comes from the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is Not Yours, But God's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:2 offers profound insights for believers today, even though we are not engaged in physical conquest of a promised land. Our lives are filled with spiritual, emotional, and relational "battles" – moments of intense challenge, fear, and uncertainty. This verse reminds us of the critical importance of spiritual preparation and seeking divine counsel before confronting our difficulties. Just as the ancient Israelites needed a priest to remind them of God's presence and promises, we too need to intentionally draw near to God through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of spiritual leaders. True courage in the face of adversity does not come from self-confidence or human strength, but from a deep, abiding trust in God's faithfulness and His active presence in our lives. When we face our own "battles," whether personal struggles, professional challenges, or spiritual warfare, the principle remains: God's presence is our ultimate source of strength, and His word is our ultimate guide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battles" or significant challenges are you currently facing that require spiritual preparation?**
* **How do you intentionally "approach" God or seek spiritual guidance before confronting difficult situations in your life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God "fighting for you" (as implied by the priest's role) impact your perspective on fear and anxiety?**
* **How can you better integrate spiritual encouragement and reliance on God's word into your daily approach to life's challenges?**

### FAQ

**What was the priest's primary role in battle according to this passage?**

Answer: The priest's primary role, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 20:2](/deuteronomy/20-2 "The Priest's Role Before Battle") and expanded upon in the subsequent verses, was to provide spiritual leadership and encouragement to the army before battle. He was to "approach and speak unto the people," reminding them that "the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies" ([Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "God Fights for Israel")). His function was not tactical or military in the conventional sense, but rather to instill faith, counter fear, and ensure the army's reliance on divine power rather than their own.

**How does this verse relate to the broader laws of warfare in Deuteronomy?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 20:2 serves as the spiritual cornerstone for the specific laws of warfare detailed in [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Laws of Warfare"). It establishes the foundational principle that Israel's military engagements were divinely sanctioned and required spiritual preparation and divine oversight. This verse precedes the practical exemptions from military service and other regulations, emphasizing that the spiritual dimension of "holy war" was paramount, setting the tone for a conflict where God's presence and command were the ultimate determinants of success.

**Does this imply that all battles are "holy wars"?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, particularly concerning the conquest of Canaan, their battles were uniquely tied to their covenant with God and His specific commands for them to take possession of the Promised Land. Thus, these were indeed "holy wars" in a very specific, historical sense, distinct from typical human conflicts. While the principles of seeking God's guidance and trusting His presence are timeless and applicable to believers facing any challenge, the specific context of divinely commanded military conquest is unique to Israel's history. Believers today engage in spiritual warfare against unseen forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")), not physical battles for land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:2, with its emphasis on the priest's role in preparing God's people for battle, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priest served as a mediator and a source of divine encouragement before physical conflicts, Christ is our Great High Priest, who has "passed through the heavens" ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus Our Great High Priest")) and continually intercedes for us. He is not merely one who "approaches and speaks" to us before a battle, but He is the very Captain of our salvation, who has already secured decisive victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). In the New Covenant, believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, not against "flesh and blood, but against 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 "Spiritual Warfare")). In this ongoing conflict, Christ Himself is our divine leader, equipping us with the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "The Armor of God")) and assuring us that "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors")). He is the one who goes before us, fights for us, and guarantees our ultimate triumph, transforming the Old Testament shadow of a priestly exhortation into the glorious reality of His abiding presence and decisive 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

Numbers 10:8

And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

Numbers 10:9

And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

2 Chronicles 13:12

And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.

Numbers 31:6

And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of [every] tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.

1 Samuel 30:7

¶ And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

1 Samuel 30:8

And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake [them], and without fail recover [all].

Judges 20:27

And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God [was] there in those days,