Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. New Living Translation “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! English Standard Version “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Berean Standard Bible When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. Berean Literal Bible When you go out to battle against your enemies, and you see horses and chariots—people more numerous than you—do not be afraid of them, for YHWH your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. King James Bible When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. New King James Version “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. New American Standard Bible “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. NASB 1995 “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. NASB 1977 “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. Legacy Standard Bible “If you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. Amplified Bible “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. Berean Annotated Bible When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}, who brought you out of the land of Egypt (land of bondage), is with you. Christian Standard Bible “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. Holman Christian Standard Bible When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. American Standard Version When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. Contemporary English Version If you have to go to war, you may find yourselves facing an enemy army that is bigger than yours and that has horses and chariots. But don't be afraid! The LORD your God rescued you from Egypt, and he will help you fight. English Revised Version When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. GOD'S WORD® Translation When you go to war against your enemies, you may see horses, chariots, and armies larger than yours. Don't be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you. Good News Translation "When you go out to fight against your enemies and you see chariots and horses and an army that outnumbers yours, do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who rescued you from Egypt, will be with you. International Standard Version "When you go to war against your enemies and observe more horses, chariots, and soldiers than you have, don't be afraid of them, for the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt is with you. NET Bible When you go to war against your enemies and see chariotry and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you. New Heart English Bible When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Webster's Bible Translation When thou goest out to battle against thy enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. World English Bible When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“When you go out to battle against your enemy, and have seen horse and chariot—a people more numerous than you—you are not afraid of them, for your God YHWH [is] with you, who is bringing you up out of the land of Egypt; Berean Literal Bible When you go out to battle against your enemies, and you see horses and chariots—people more numerous than you—do not be afraid of them, for YHWH your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Young's Literal Translation When thou goest out to battle against thine enemy, and hast seen horse and chariot -- a people more numerous than thou -- thou art not afraid of them, for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who is bringing thee up out of the land of Egypt; Smith's Literal Translation When thou shalt go forth to war against thine enemy, and thou sawest horse and chariot, a multitude of people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them, for Jehovah thy God is with thee, he bringing thee up out of the land of Egypt. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf thou go out to war against thy enemies, and see horsemen and chariots, and the numbers of the enemy's army greater than thine, thou shalt not fear them: because the Lord thy God is with thee, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt. Catholic Public Domain Version “If you go out to battle against your enemies, and you see horsemen and chariots, and that the multitude of your adversary’s army is greater than your own, you shall not fear them. For the Lord your God, who led you away from the land of Egypt, is with you. New American Bible When you go out to war against your enemies and you see horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD, your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, will be with you. New Revised Standard Version When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWHEN you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated "And when you go out to battle against your enemies and you shall see horses and chariots, a people that are more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them, because LORD JEHOVAH your God goes with you who brought you up from the land of Egypt. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for the LORD thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if thou shouldest go forth to war against thine enemies, and shouldest see horse, and rider, and a people more numerous than thyself; thou shalt not be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws of Warfare1When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. 2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,… Cross References When you go out to war against your enemies Numbers 10:9 When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Deuteronomy 1:30 The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Judges 7:2 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ do not be afraid of them; Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 10:25 “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, Exodus 20:2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Deuteronomy 5:6 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Psalm 81:10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. is with you. Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Exodus 33:14 And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Treasury of Scripture When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt. goest out Deuteronomy 3:21,22 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest… Deuteronomy 7:1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; horses Joshua 10:5-8 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it… Joshua 11:4-6,9 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many… Judges 4:3-9 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel… the Lord Deuteronomy 2:7 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… Genesis 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; Jump to Previous Afraid Armies Army Battle Chariot Chariots Egypt Enemies Enemy Horse Horses Larger Nations Numerous Seest Thou War War-Carriages YourselvesJump to Next Afraid Armies Army Battle Chariot Chariots Egypt Enemies Enemy Horse Horses Larger Nations Numerous Seest Thou War War-Carriages YourselvesDeuteronomy 20 1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle5. The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war 10. How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace 16. What cities must be devoted 19. Trees must not be destroyed in the siege When you go out to war against your enemies This phrase sets the context of the Israelites preparing for battle. In the ancient Near East, warfare was a common occurrence, and nations often engaged in battles to defend their territory or expand their influence. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were often called to engage in battles against surrounding nations. This directive implies a proactive stance, indicating that the Israelites would face opposition and must be prepared to confront it. and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours do not be afraid of them for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt is with you Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to conduct themselves in warfare. 2. Enemies The opposing forces that the Israelites would face in battle, often representing larger and more powerful nations. 3. Horses and Chariots Symbols of military strength and power in ancient warfare, often used by Israel's enemies. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who promises His presence and support in battle. 5. Egypt The land from which God delivered the Israelites, serving as a reminder of His past faithfulness and power. Teaching Points Trust in God's PresenceJust as God was with the Israelites, He is with us in our battles today. We should not be intimidated by the size or strength of our challenges. Remember Past Deliverance Reflect on how God has delivered you in the past as a source of encouragement and faith for current struggles. Courage in the Face of Fear Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in faith despite it, trusting in God's promises. Spiritual Warfare Recognize that our battles are not just physical but spiritual, and we must rely on God's strength and guidance. God's Sovereignty Acknowledge that God is in control of all circumstances, and His plans will prevail despite human appearances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:1?2. How does Deuteronomy 20:1 encourage trust in God during overwhelming challenges? 3. What role does faith play when facing "horses and chariots" in life? 4. How does Deuteronomy 20:1 connect with Romans 8:31 about God's presence? 5. How can we apply "do not be afraid" in our daily spiritual battles? 6. What practical steps can strengthen our faith when facing "an army greater"? 7. How does Deuteronomy 20:1 address the fear of facing overwhelming odds in battle? 8. What historical context surrounds the military instructions in Deuteronomy 20:1? 9. How does Deuteronomy 20:1 reflect God's role in Israel's military campaigns? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20? 11. If the historical conquest described lacks concrete archaeological evidence, does it undermine the credibility of Deuteronomy 20? 12. How should we reconcile the war commands of Deuteronomy 20 with New Testament teachings on love and peacemaking? 13. When is war or peace appropriate? 14. Why did God instruct Israelites to disable horses? What Does Deuteronomy 20:1 Mean When you go out to war against your enemiesIsrael was not told “if” but “when.” Warfare would come, and the Lord spoke to prepare His people ahead of time. • The same language appears moments later: “When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army” (Deuteronomy 20:2), showing that military conflict was part of covenant life. • Numbers 10:9 reminds them that even the sounding of trumpets in battle was ordained by God. • For believers today, spiritual conflict is likewise a certainty (Ephesians 6:12), and Scripture equips us beforehand rather than leaving us to guess. and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours God names the specific things that would naturally intimidate a foot soldier—cavalry, technology, overwhelming numbers. • In Exodus 14:9 the Egyptians pursued Israel “with all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots,” the very memory God now turns into a teaching tool. • Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in “chariots and horses” with reliance on the name of the Lord. • Isaiah 31:1 warns those who “depend on horses” instead of the Holy One, showing that military hardware has always tempted people to misplaced confidence. do not be afraid of them Fear is forbidden because it contradicts faith in God’s promises. • Earlier, Moses had said, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them” (Deuteronomy 1:29). The command now echoes that lesson for a new generation. • Joshua would later hear the identical charge—“Do not be afraid or discouraged” (Joshua 1:9)—demonstrating that courage flows from obedience, not personality. • Second Chronicles 20:15 records the prophetic assurance, “the battle is not yours, but God’s,” underscoring why fear has no rightful place. for the LORD your God Courage is rooted in the character of the covenant-keeping God. • The phrase “the LORD your God” appears repeatedly in Deuteronomy, stressing relationship over religion (Deuteronomy 7:9). • Romans 8:31 applies the same truth universally: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”—a New Testament echo of this Old Testament promise. • Isaiah 41:10 captures the heartbeat of the verse: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” who brought you out of the land of Egypt Past deliverance guarantees present help. • The first words of the Ten Commandments root obedience in redemption: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 20:2). • Deuteronomy 7:18 urges Israel, “Remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh,” making memory a shield against future panic. • Psalm 105:37 celebrates that exodus, recalling both freedom and provision—proof that God finishes what He starts. is with you Presence is the ultimate advantage. • Deuteronomy 20:4 expands the thought: “For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you.” He is not an observer; He is the Warrior. • Matthew 28:20 carries the same promise into every nation: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” • Hebrews 13:5 repeats God’s vow, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,” sealing the continuity between Sinai, Calvary, and today’s battlefield. summary Deuteronomy 20:1 anchors courage in concrete history and living presence. Battles are certain, enemies impressive, but fear is banned because the Covenant Lord—who once split the sea—is personally on the field. Remember what He has done, trust who He is, and step forward without wavering, for the same God who delivered yesterday stands beside His people today. XX.LAWS OF WARFARE. (1) When thou goest out to battle--i.e., generally; not only in the immediate conquest of Canaan. Yet it may be observed that in the writings of Moses it is foreseen that the completion of the conquest will be gradual, and that Israel will have to go to battle many times before all enemies are overcome. Horses and chariots.--The Israelitish army was chiefly, or rather entirely, composed of infantry, in most of the great victories won by them. Verse 1. - When they found themselves opposed by an army more numerous than their own, and better furnished with the material of warfare, they were not to be afraid or discouraged, for Jehovah their God, who had brought them out of Egypt, would be with them to protect and help them (cf. Psalm 20:7). Horses and chariots. In these, which constituted the main strength of the nations with which they would have to contend, the Israelites were deficient; and to them these were always objects of terror in war (Joshua 11:4; Joshua 17:16; Judges 1:19; Judges 4:3; 1 Samuel 13:5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you go out תֵצֵ֨א (ṯê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to war לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against your enemies אֹיְבֶ֗יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary and see וְֽרָאִ֜יתָ (wə·rā·’î·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see horses, ס֤וּס (sūs) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) chariots, וָרֶ֙כֶב֙ (wā·re·ḵeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone and an army עַ֚ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock larger רַ֣ב (raḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great than yours, מִמְּךָ֔ (mim·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be afraid תִירָ֖א (ṯî·rā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten of them; מֵהֶ֑ם (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God, אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who brought you הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֖ (ham·ma·‘al·ḵā) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively out of the land מֵאֶ֥רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Egypt, מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa is with you. עִמָּ֔ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Deuteronomy 20:1 NIVDeuteronomy 20:1 NLT Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV Deuteronomy 20:1 NASB Deuteronomy 20:1 KJV Deuteronomy 20:1 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 20:1 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 20:1 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 20:1 French Bible Deuteronomy 20:1 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go forth to battle against (Deut. 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