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Commentary on Deuteronomy 20 verses 1–9
Israel was at this time to be considered rather as a camp than as a kingdom, entering upon an enemy's country, and not yet settled in a country of their own; and, besides the war they were now entering upon in order to their settlement, even after their settlement they could neither protect nor enlarge their coast without hearing the alarms of war. It was therefore needful that they should have directions given them in their military affairs; and in these verses they are directed in managing, marshalling, and drawing up their own forces. And it is observable that the discipline of war here prescribed is so far from having any thing in it harsh or severe, as is usual in martial law, that the intent of the whole is, on the contrary, to encourage the soldiers, and to make their service easy to them.
I. Those that were disposed to fight must be encouraged and animated against their fears.
1.Moses here gives a general encouragement, which the leaders and commanders in the war must take to themselves: "Be not afraid of them, Deu 20:1. Though the enemy have ever so much the advantage by their numbers (being more than thou), and by their cavalry (their armies being much made up of horses and chariots, which thou art not allowed to multiply), yet decline not coming to a battle with them, dread not the issue, nor doubt of success." Two things they must encourage themselves with in their wars, provided they kept close to their God and their religion, otherwise they forfeited these encouragements: - (1.) The presence of God with them: "The Lord thy God is with thee, and therefore thou art not in danger, nor needest thou be afraid." See Isa 41:10. (2.) The experience they and their fathers had had of God's power and goodness in bringing them out of the land of Egypt, in defiance of Pharaoh and all his hosts, which was not only in general a proof of the divine omnipotence, but to them in particular a pledge of what God would do further for them. He that saved them from those greater enemies would not suffer them to be run down by those that were every way less considerable, and thus to have all he had done for them undone again.
2.This encouragement must be particularly addressed to the common soldiers by a priest appointed, and, the Jews say, anointed, for that purpose, whom they call the anointed of the war, a very proper title for our anointed Redeemer, the captain of our salvation: This priest, in God's name, was to animate the people; and who so fit to do that as he whose office it was as priest to pray for them? For the best encouragements arise from the precious promises made to the prayer of faith. This priest must, (1.) Charge them not to be afraid (Deu 20:3), for nothing weakens the hands so much as that which makes the heart tremble, Deu 20:3. There is need of precept upon precept to this purport, as there is here: Let not your hearts be tender (so the word is), to receive all the impressions of fear, but let a believing confidence in the power and promise of God harden them. Fear not, and do not make haste (so the word is), for he that believeth doth not make more haste than good speed. "Do not make haste either rashly to anticipate your advantages or basely to fly off upon every disadvantage." (2.) He must assure them of the presence of God with them, to own and plead their righteous cause, and not only to save them from their enemies, but to give them victory over them, Deu 20:4. Note, Those have no reason to fear that have God with them. The giving of this encouragement by a priest, one of the Lord's ministers, intimates, [1.] That it is very fit that armies should have chaplains, not only to pray for them, but to preach to them, both to reprove that which would hinder their success and to raise their hopes of it. [2.] That it is the work of Christ's ministers to encourage his good soldiers in their spiritual conflict with the world and the flesh, and to assure them of a conquest, yea, more than a conquest, through Christ that loved us.
II. Those that were indisposed to fight must be discharged, whether the indisposition did arise,
1.From the circumstances of a man's outward condition; as, (1.) If he had lately built or purchased a new house, and had not taken possession of it, had not dedicated it (Deu 20:5), that is, made a solemn festival for the entertainment of his friends, that came to him to welcome him to his house; let him go home and take the comfort of that which God had blessed him with, till, by enjoying it for some time, he become less fond of it, and consequently less disturbed in the war by the thoughts of it, and more willing to lie and leave it. For this is the nature of all our worldly enjoyments, that they please us best at first; after a while we see the vanity of them. Some think that this dedication of their houses was a religious act, and that they took possession of them with prayers and praises, with a solemn devoting of themselves and all their enjoyments to the service and honour of God. David penned the 30th Psalm on such an occasion, as appears by the title. Note, He that has a house of his own should dedicate it to God by setting up and keeping up the fear and worship of God in it, that he may have a church in his house; and nothing should be suffered to divert a man from this. Or, (2.) If a man had been at a great expense to plant a vineyard, and longed to eat of the fruit of it, which for the first three years he was forbidden to do by the law (Lev 19:23, etc.), let him go home, if he has a mind, and gratify his own humour with the fruits of it, Deu 20:6. See how indulgent God is to his people in innocent things, and how far from being a hard Master. Since we naturally covet to eat the labour of our hands, rather than an Israelite should be crossed therein, his service in war shall be dispensed with., Or, (3.) If a man had made up his mind to be married, and the marriage were not solemnized, he was at liberty to return (Deu 20:7), as also to tarry at home for one year after marriage (Deu 24:5), for the terrors of war would be disagreeable to a man who had just welcomed the soft scene of domestic attachment. And God would not be served in his wars by pressed men, that were forced into the army against their will, but they must all be perfectly volunteers. Psa 110:3, Thy people shall be willing. In running the Christian race, and fighting the good fight of faith, we must lay aside every weight, and all that which would clog and divert our minds and make us unwilling. The Jewish writers agree that this liberty to return was allowed only in those wars which they made voluntarily (as bishop Patrick expresses it), not those which were made by the divine command against Amalek and the Canaanites, in which every man was bound to fight.
2.If a man's indisposition to fight arose from the weakness and timidity of his own spirit, he had leave to return from the war, Deu 20:8. This proclamation Gideon made to his army, and it detached above two-thirds of them, Jdg 7:3. Some make the fearfulness and faintheartedness here supposed to arise from the terrors of an evil conscience, which would make a man afraid to look death and danger in the face. It was then thought that men of loose and profligate lives would not be good soldiers, but must needs be both cowards in an army and curses to it, the shame and trouble of the camp; and therefore those who were conscious to themselves of notorious guilt were shaken off. But it seems rather to be meant of a natural fearfulness. It was partly in kindness to them that they had their discharge (for, though shamed, they were eased); but much more in kindness to the rest of the army, who were hereby freed from the incumbrance of such as were useless and unserviceable, while the danger of infection from their cowardice and flight was prevented. This is the reason here given: Lest his brethren's heart fail as well as his heart. Fear is catching, and in an army is of most pernicious consequence. We must take heed that we fear not the fear of those that are afraid, Isa 8:12.
III. It is here ordered that, when all the cowards were dismissed, then captains should be nominated (Deu 20:9), for it was in a special manner necessary that the leaders and commanders should be men of courage. That reform therefore must be made when the army was first mustered and marshalled. The soldiers of Christ have need of courage, that they may quit themselves like men, and endure hardness like good soldiers, especially the officers of his army.
Again, the law in its humanity says that if a man has built a new house but has not yet moved in, or laid out a new vineyard but has not yet enjoyed the fruit, or become betrothed to a girl but has not yet married her, he is to be excused military service. This makes military sense, since we would be unenthusiastic in our military service if we were being pulled in the direction of the things we longed for. People expose themselves to danger without a second thought only if they are free in relation to natural impulses. It is also humane, in the calculation that the outcome of war is uncertain and it is unjust for such a man not to benefit from his own labors or for someone else who has taken no trouble to possess the property of those who have put in the work.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:5 articulates a remarkable military exemption, permitting any man who has constructed a new house but not yet formally dedicated it to return home rather than proceed to battle. This compassionate provision, embedded within Israel's broader laws of warfare, profoundly underscores God's meticulous care for the individual's well-being, His desire for His people to fully enjoy the significant milestones and blessings of life, and the strategic importance of a military force that is both willing and unburdened by personal anxieties. It reveals a divine understanding of human attachment to the fruits of labor and a desire for His people to experience the fullness of their blessings before undertaking perilous service.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Divine Foresight is strikingly evident in God's anticipation of deep human attachment, potential sorrow, and the psychological impact of unfulfilled aspirations, preemptively addressing these with a compassionate and practical law. The passage utilizes a powerful Contrast between the act of building a house and the tragic scenario of not dedicating it before dying in battle, highlighting the immense value God places on human flourishing and the completion of personal milestones. There is also an element of Irony at play: while allowing some men to return home might, on the surface, appear to weaken the army numerically, it paradoxically strengthens the fighting force by ensuring that those who remain are fully committed, free from the debilitating distractions of regret or personal burdens, and thus truly ready for the spiritual and physical "battle." This strategic compassion underscores God's holistic understanding of human nature and military effectiveness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly practical military exemption reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His intimate relationship with humanity. It demonstrates a God who is not merely interested in the strict adherence to commands but is deeply concerned with the holistic well-being, personal fulfillment, and emotional state of His people. His laws are not arbitrary burdens but are expressions of His wisdom, compassion, and desire to foster human flourishing and protect against profound sorrow and unfulfilled potential. This principle extends far beyond the immediate context of military service, suggesting that God desires His people to experience the joy of their labor and the completion of their life's significant endeavors. It underscores the inherent value of individual lives within the larger community and the critical importance of addressing personal burdens and finding peace in one's sphere before engaging in demanding service, thereby ensuring a wholehearted and effective commitment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:5 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its ancient military context, speaking powerfully to our lives today. It serves as a profound reminder that God is deeply invested in our personal well-being and desires for us to experience the joy, satisfaction, and completion of our "houses"—our significant projects, cherished relationships, and crucial life stages. Before embarking on major "battles" or demanding endeavors, whether in our spiritual walk, professional careers, or personal ministries, this passage encourages us to pause, address unfinished business, resolve lingering anxieties, and find a sense of peace and completion in our personal spheres. It's a powerful call to wholeness and readiness, recognizing that unaddressed burdens and unfulfilled aspirations can significantly hinder our effectiveness, diminish our commitment, and even lead to spiritual or emotional burnout. Trusting in God's compassionate provision allows us to approach our service with a clear conscience, a focused heart, and an undivided mind, knowing that He cares for every detail of our lives, even those that seem mundane or purely personal. This divine care liberates us to serve Him wholeheartedly, confident that He desires our flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God allow these exemptions, seemingly weakening the army?
Answer: God allowed these exemptions not to weaken the army numerically, but to strategically strengthen it by ensuring the spiritual, psychological, and emotional readiness of those who remained. The exemptions for those with a new house, a new vineyard, or a new marriage (Deuteronomy 20:5-7) addressed profound human attachments and the deep-seated desire to enjoy the fruits of one's labor or the beginning of a new, significant life stage. To die before experiencing these milestones would have been a source of deep regret, a perceived curse, and a profound personal tragedy. By allowing these individuals to return home, God demonstrated His deep compassion and ensured that those who did go to battle were fully committed, free from the debilitating distraction of unfulfilled personal aspirations or the fear of profound loss. This principle is further reinforced by the exemption for the fearful and fainthearted (Deuteronomy 20:8), highlighting that a willing, courageous, and wholehearted army, though potentially smaller in number, is ultimately more effective and spiritually prepared than a larger force burdened by personal anxieties, reluctance, or divided loyalties. It prioritizes the quality of commitment and morale over mere quantity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:5, with its compassionate provision for those building a new house, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law provided a temporary exemption from earthly battle to secure a physical dwelling and enjoy its blessings, Christ secures for us an eternal dwelling and ultimate rest from the spiritual battle. He is the divine architect and builder of the true "new house" for His people—the Church, His body, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). Furthermore, Jesus explicitly promises to prepare an eternal dwelling place for His followers in His Father's house, assuring them of a secure and permanent home with Him (John 14:2-3). Unlike the Israelite soldier who feared dying before dedicating his house and enjoying its fruit, believers in Christ are assured that their spiritual inheritance is secure, incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven by God's power (1 Peter 1:3-5). We are indeed called to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18), but our ultimate victory is already secured through Christ's decisive triumph over all hostile powers at the cross and His glorious resurrection (Colossians 2:15). He has "dedicated" our spiritual house, making us living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and ensures that we will fully enjoy the fruit of His labor—eternal life, abundant grace, and unbroken communion with God—without any fear of loss or another taking our inheritance. Through Him, we find the ultimate rest, security, and fulfillment that the Old Testament law foreshadowed, enabling us to serve Him with undivided hearts, knowing our eternal home is already built and dedicated.