Deuteronomy 20:1-12 ▼

1 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.

2 And it shall come to pass, in your? drawing near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,

3 and he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, you? are drawing near today to battle against your? enemies. Do not let your? hearts be faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble, and do not be terrified at their presence.

4 For YHWH your? God is He who goes with you? to fight for you? against your? enemies, to save you?.”

5 And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, “Who is the man who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

6 And who is the man who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eat of it.

7 And who is the man who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.”

8 And the officers shall add to speak to the people and say, “Who is the man fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, so that the heart of his brothers shall not melt like his heart.”

9 And it shall come to pass, the officers having finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.

10 When you go near to a city to fight against it, then you shall call out to it for peace.

11 And it shall come to pass that if they accept your offer of peace and open to you, then all the people found in it shall be unto you in tribute, and they will serve you.

12 And if it does not make peace with you and makes war against you, then you shall lay siege against it.