Deuteronomy 20:5

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

And the officers {H7860} shall speak {H1696} unto the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, What man {H376} is there that hath built {H1129} a new {H2319} house {H1004}, and hath not dedicated {H2596} it? let him go {H3212} and return {H7725} to his house {H1004}, lest he die {H4191} in the battle {H4421}, and another {H312} man {H376} dedicate {H2596} it.

"Then the officials will speak to the soldiers. They are to say, 'Is there a man here who has built a new house, but hasn't dedicated it yet? He should go back home now; otherwise he may die fighting, and another man will dedicate it.

Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, โ€œHas any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:5 is part of a series of remarkable military exemptions given to the Israelite army before they engaged in battle. These laws, outlined in Deuteronomy chapter 20, reveal God's profound care for the individual soldier and His desire for a willing and unburdened fighting force.

Context

This verse specifically addresses the man who has "built a new house, and hath not dedicated it." In ancient Israel, building a house was a significant undertaking, often requiring years of labor and resources. The act of "dedicating" it (Hebrew: chanak, meaning to initiate or consecrate) would have been a joyous occasion, signifying the completion and habitation of the home. The law ensures that no man would go to war and potentially die, leaving his newly built home to be enjoyed by another, a concept that would have been a great sorrow and injustice. This exemption, along with others for those who had planted a vineyard or were newly married (Deuteronomy 20:6, Deuteronomy 20:7), highlights a divine understanding of human attachment to life's blessings and milestones.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion: God demonstrates mercy and compassion, valuing the individual's well-being and the enjoyment of their labor over strict military necessity. This shows a God who cares about the personal fulfillment of His people.
  • Enjoyment of Blessings: The law emphasizes the importance of experiencing the fruits of one's hard work and significant life events. It's a testament to God's desire for His people to live full and blessed lives.
  • Readiness for Service: By allowing those with unfulfilled personal milestones to return home, the law ensured that those who did go to battle were fully committed and free from the distraction of unaddressed personal matters or deep regrets. This principle is vital for any significant undertaking, whether physical or spiritual.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word here is chanak (ื—ึธื ึทืšึฐ), translated as "dedicated." While it can mean to train or initiate (as in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child"), in the context of a house, it signifies the formal completion and inauguration, akin to a housewarming ceremony. This word underscores the significance of the event in the life of an Israelite family.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 20:5 offers timeless wisdom. It reminds us that God is concerned not just with our duties but also with our personal well-being and the completion of our significant life tasks. For us today, it can encourage us to:

  • Prioritize Completion: Finish what you start, especially significant projects or commitments, so you can fully enjoy their benefits.
  • Address Unfinished Business: Before embarking on major endeavors or "battles" in life, it's wise to address unresolved personal matters that might hinder focus or create regret.
  • Trust God's Care: Recognize that God is compassionate and desires for us to experience joy and fulfillment in our lives, even amidst calls to service or difficult circumstances. This principle echoes the broader theme of counting the cost before embarking on a journey, ensuring one is prepared for the task ahead.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 12:27

    ยถ And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

  • Numbers 31:48

    ยถ And the officers which [were] over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:

  • 1 Samuel 17:18

    And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

  • Deuteronomy 1:15

    So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

  • Numbers 31:14

    And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, [with] the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.

  • Deuteronomy 16:18

    ยถ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

  • Psalms 30:1

    ยถ A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
โ† Back