Deuteronomy 20:2

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:2 introduces a crucial pre-battle ritual in ancient Israelite warfare. This verse highlights the significant role of the priest in preparing the people for military engagement, underscoring the spiritual dimension of their conflicts.

Context

This verse is part of a broader passage (Deuteronomy 20:1-9) that outlines the laws of warfare for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Before any engagement, specific procedures were to be followed. These included exemptions for those who had recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or were betrothed, as well as those who were simply fearful. The address by the priest, as described in this verse, served as a foundational step, reminding the army of God's presence and their unique covenant relationship with the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence in Warfare: The very act of the priest addressing the troops emphasizes that Israel's battles were not merely human endeavors but were fought under the direct oversight and with the promised help of God. This theme is reinforced by the priest's subsequent words in Deuteronomy 20:4, stating that "the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies".
  • Spiritual Leadership and Encouragement: The priest's role was to be a source of spiritual encouragement and a reminder of God's power and promises. His address was designed to instill courage and prevent panic among the soldiers, ensuring they relied on divine strength rather than solely on their own.
  • Trust Over Fear: By having a spiritual leader speak to the army before battle, the passage implicitly counters fear with faith. The message is to trust in the Lord's deliverance, a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "priest" is kohen (ื›ึนึผื”ึตืŸ), signifying his sacred office as a mediator between God and the people. The act of "speaking" (ื“ึธึผื‘ึทืจ - dabar) implies an authoritative declaration, not merely a casual conversation. It was a formal address intended to convey divine instruction and assurance, setting the spiritual tone for the impending conflict.

Significance and Application

Deuteronomy 20:2 offers timeless insights into leadership, faith, and facing challenges. It teaches us that:

  • Spiritual Guidance Matters: In any significant undertaking or challenge, seeking divine counsel and spiritual leadership can provide strength and clarity.
  • Courage Comes from Faith: True bravery in the face of adversity is often rooted in a deep trust in a higher power, rather than mere human confidence. This echoes the broader biblical command to "be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed".
  • God is With Us: Even in our "battles" today โ€“ whether personal struggles, professional challenges, or spiritual warfare โ€“ the principle remains that God's presence is our ultimate source of strength and victory.
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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

  • Numbers 10:8 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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