Deuteronomy 20:3

KJV

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

KJV (with Strong's)

And shall say {H559} unto them, Hear {H8085}, O Israel {H3478}, ye approach {H7131} this day {H3117} unto battle {H4421} against your enemies {H341}: let not your hearts {H3824} faint {H7401}, fear {H3372} not, and do not tremble {H2648}, neither be ye terrified {H6206} because {H6440} of them;

Complete Jewish Bible

He should tell them, 'Listen, Isra'el! You are about to do battle against your enemies. Don't be fainthearted or afraid; don't be alarmed or frightened by them;

Berean Standard Bible

saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.

American Standard Version

and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; fear not, nor tremble, neither be ye affrighted at them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:3 presents a powerful priestly exhortation to the Israelite army on the brink of battle, designed to instill divine courage and unwavering trust in God. This verse serves as a direct, multi-faceted command to the soldiers to actively resist all forms of fear, panic, and terror, profoundly reminding them that their victory is not predicated on their own strength or the perceived might of their adversaries, but solely on the Lord's unfailing presence and His commitment to fight on their behalf. It encapsulates a foundational theological principle: true security, bravery, and effectiveness in the face of daunting challenges are rooted in a steadfast faith in God's sovereign power and covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the detailed laws of warfare articulated in [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare"), a chapter delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. The chapter commences by establishing the divine premise for Israelite engagement in battle, emphatically stating that God Himself would accompany them to fight against their enemies ([Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1-4 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - God Fights for Israel")). Immediately preceding this verse, the priest is mandated to address the army, a ritualistic act intended to prepare the soldiers not only psychologically but, more importantly, spiritually. Following this profound exhortation, the chapter delineates specific exemptions from military service—for those who have recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or are betrothed, as well as for those who are genuinely afraid and fainthearted ([Deuteronomy 20:5-8](/deuteronomy/20-5-8 "Deuteronomy 20:5-8 - Exemptions from Military Service")). This sequence highlights the profound importance of internal resolve and faith, implying that fear could be contagious and detrimental to the army's morale and overall effectiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this divine command is the Plains of Moab, a critical juncture where the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River and embark on the conquest of Canaan. This period marked a pivotal transition in their history, moving from nomadic wanderings to the establishment of their nation in a land inhabited by formidable, often idolatrous, peoples. Warfare in the ancient Near East was frequently perceived as a contest between the respective deities of opposing nations, and an army's morale was intrinsically linked to the perceived favor of their god. For Israel, this was not merely a conventional military campaign but a "holy war" or *herem*, where Yahweh was unequivocally the ultimate warrior. While priestly addresses were common in many ancient cultures, for Israel, this address uniquely centered on Yahweh's direct involvement and omnipotence, starkly contrasting with the reliance on human strength or pagan deities prevalent in surrounding nations. This emphasis on God fighting for them would have represented a radical departure from the norm, fostering a distinct national identity rooted in divine covenant rather than solely in military prowess.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 20:3 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central to its message is the theme of **Divine Presence and Assistance**, underscoring that God is not a distant deity but actively accompanies His people into their struggles, fighting on their behalf. This assurance forms the bedrock of the command to **Overcome Fear**, which is powerfully reiterated through multiple negative injunctions, emphasizing the absolute necessity of resisting panic and terror in the face of overwhelming odds. The verse implicitly calls for **Trust in God's Sovereignty**, redirecting the soldiers' focus from the formidable strength of their enemies to the Lord's absolute power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This unwavering reliance on God's ability to deliver is presented as the true source of courage. Furthermore, while literally addressing military readiness, the principles embedded within this verse highlight the broader importance of **Spiritual Preparedness** and faith as indispensable prerequisites for engaging in any significant challenge or undertaking, whether physical or spiritual, echoing the call to be strong and courageous found elsewhere, such as in [Joshua's commission](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faint (Hebrew, _râkak'_):** From H7401, a primitive root meaning "to soften." In this context, it describes a heart (lêbâb, H3824) that lacks firmness, resolve, or courage, suggesting an internal state of being easily discouraged, yielding to fear, or becoming "faint-hearted." It implies a critical lack of mental and emotional fortitude necessary to stand firm in battle.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear" or "to revere." Here, in the negative imperative ("fear not"), it is a direct command to not experience general apprehension, dread, or terror. While the root can also mean reverence, in this context of battle, it is a foundational call to trust in God, as the presence of God often negates the need for human fear in the face of adversaries.
* **Terrified (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** From H6206, a primitive root meaning "to awe or dread," and by implication, "to harass." This term conveys a deeper, more intense level of fear than mere apprehension, implying being utterly dismayed, broken in spirit, or crushed by the perceived overwhelming power or might of the enemy. It speaks to a state of being paralyzed by dread, often leading to flight or surrender, and is the strongest of the four negative injunctions against fear in this verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies:"** This opening phrase meticulously sets the scene for the priestly address, establishing the profound gravity and divine significance of the moment. "Hear, O Israel" is a quintessential Deuteronomic call to attention, emphasizing the paramount importance of the divine instruction about to be imparted. It frames the impending conflict not merely as a human military endeavor but as one under direct divine observation and guidance, serving as a powerful reminder to the people of their covenant identity and their sacred purpose as God's chosen nation.
* **"let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;"** This is the core exhortation, a powerful, cumulative series of four negative commands meticulously designed to combat various manifestations of fear and psychological incapacitation.
* "let not your hearts faint" addresses the internal weakening of resolve, the softening of courage within the innermost being.
* "fear not" is a general, overarching prohibition against apprehension and dread, a call to maintain a disposition of trust.
* "and do not tremble" speaks to the physical and psychological agitation that can lead to panic, instability, or hasty retreat, emphasizing composure.
* "neither be ye terrified because of them" refers to being utterly broken, overwhelmed, or paralyzed by the enemy's perceived might, highlighting the critical importance of focusing on God's power rather than the adversary's. The cumulative effect of these injunctions is a comprehensive and absolute call to spiritual, psychological, and physical fortitude, rooted in divine assurance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:3 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to achieve its profound persuasive and didactic effect. The most prominent is the skillful use of **Repetition** and **Climax** through the accumulation of four distinct synonyms for fear: "faint," "fear not," "tremble," and "terrified." This rhetorical device, often termed **Synonymic Parallelism** or **Gradation**, meticulously intensifies in meaning, progressing from an internal weakening of resolve, to general apprehension, then to physical agitation, and finally to utter, paralyzing dismay. This comprehensive listing underscores the absolute necessity of eradicating all forms of fear from the soldiers' hearts. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation** or **Apostrophe**, as the priest directly addresses "O Israel," calling the entire nation (represented by its army) to a specific, faith-driven action. The imperative mood used throughout the series of commands ("let not... fear not... do not tremble... neither be ye terrified") further underscores the urgency, divine authority, and non-negotiable nature of the command, reinforcing the message that courage is a spiritual imperative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command articulated in Deuteronomy 20:3 is profoundly rooted in the foundational theological truth that Yahweh is Israel's Divine Warrior, who actively fights on behalf of His covenant people. This concept is far more than a mere tactical advantage; it is a profound testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, His omnipotence, and His direct, active involvement in the lives and historical trajectory of His chosen nation. It fundamentally shifts the paradigm of warfare from reliance on human might or strategic brilliance to absolute dependence on divine power, teaching Israel that their victories are ultimately God's victories and a demonstration of His sovereignty. This principle extends far beyond the ancient context of physical battles, teaching believers across all generations that in all of life's spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges, an unwavering reliance on God's constant presence and His indomitable power is the ultimate source of courage, peace, and ultimate triumph, rather than succumbing to the overwhelming nature of circumstances or the perceived might of adversaries.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:3, while originating in the ancient context of physical warfare, resonates profoundly with the spiritual and psychological battles that believers face in every generation. We are called to live lives of unwavering faith in a world frequently characterized by pervasive fear, profound uncertainty, and relentless opposition. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that the divine command to "fear not" is not a naive dismissal of genuine danger, but rather a profound theological call to reorient our perspective from the overwhelming magnitude of the threat to the omnipotence and faithfulness of our God. Just as the Israelites were assured of God's tangible presence and active participation in their battles, so too are believers promised the indwelling Spirit and the constant, abiding presence of Christ in their ongoing struggles against sin, temptation, and the spiritual forces of darkness. True courage, therefore, is not the mere absence of fear, but the conscious, deliberate decision to act in faith despite the presence of fear, knowing with absolute certainty that the Lord fights for us, equips us, and empowers us for every challenge. This passage encourages us to confront our anxieties and trepidations by actively trusting in God's sovereign power, His unfailing promises, and His steadfast love, thereby allowing His peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the specific "enemies" or "battles" in your life today that cause your heart to faint, make you tremble, or leave you feeling terrified?**
* **How does remembering God's unwavering presence and His explicit promise to "fight for you" fundamentally change your perspective on these daunting challenges?**
* **In what practical, tangible ways can you actively "not let your heart faint" and consciously resist the various manifestations of fear when facing overwhelming circumstances?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to rely less on your own limited strength and more profoundly on God's infinite power and provision in your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for a priest, not a military commander, to give this speech?**

Answer: The priest's pivotal role in delivering this exhortation underscored the profoundly theological nature of Israel's warfare. It was not merely a geopolitical conflict but a holy war, divinely commanded and ultimately led by God Himself. By having the priest, the representative of God's covenant, speak to the army, the focus was firmly placed on God's active presence, His covenant promises, and the spiritual readiness and purity of the army, rather than solely on human military strategy, numerical superiority, or individual prowess. This ritualistic address served as a powerful reminder to the soldiers that their ultimate victory came from the Lord, not from their own numbers, skill, or might. It also served to distinctly differentiate Israel's approach to warfare from that of pagan nations, where military success was often attributed to human strategic genius or the capricious favor of local deities. The priest's words were a direct channel of divine assurance, reinforcing the core message of [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You"), which explicitly states, "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:3, with its powerful and repeated call to courage rooted in the assurance of God's active presence, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priest exhorted Israel to face physical enemies in a literal war, Christ, as our Great High Priest, uniquely equips His followers for the spiritual warfare against sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. The ancient promise that God would "fight for you" is fully and definitively realized in Jesus, who decisively triumphed over humanity's greatest adversaries—sin, Satan, and death—through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the victorious [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"). Believers are now called to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Put on the Whole Armor of God")), not to faint, fear, tremble, or be terrified, precisely because Christ has already overcome the world and its trials ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). His indwelling Holy Spirit provides the divine courage, supernatural peace, and empowering strength to face all of life's challenges, transforming the ancient call to military bravery into a timeless spiritual mandate to live fearlessly in the absolute assurance of His unfailing presence and ultimate, eternal victory ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus's Presence")).

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

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalms 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.

Isaiah 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.