Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 20
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 20
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 20
"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." — Deuteronomy 20:1 (ASV)
Horses and chariots - The most formidable elements of an Eastern host, which the Canaanites possessed in great numbers; compare Joshua 17:16; Judges 4:3; 1 Samuel 13:5. Israel could not match these with corresponding forces (compare Deuteronomy 17:16, note and references), but, having the God of battles on its side, was not to be dismayed by them; the assumption being that the war had the sanction of God, and was consequently just.
"And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people," — Deuteronomy 20:2 (ASV)
The priest - Not the high priest, but one appointed for the purpose, and called, according to the rabbis, “the anointed of the war”: therefore, perhaps the expression of Jeremiah 6:4 and other passages, prepare you (literally consecrate) war. Thus, Phinehas went with the warriors to fight against Midian (Numbers 31:6; compare to 1 Samuel 4:4, 1 Samuel 4:11; 2 Chronicles 13:12).
"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." — Deuteronomy 20:5 (ASV)
The officers dedicated it - See Exodus 5:6 note.
Compare the marginal references. The expression is appropriate, because various ceremonies of a religious kind were customary among the Jews on taking possession of a new house. The immunity conferred in this verse lasted, like that in Deuteronomy 20:7 , for one year.
"And what man is there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not used the fruit thereof? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use the fruit thereof." — Deuteronomy 20:6 (ASV)
See the margin and references. The fruit of newly-planted trees was set apart from common uses for four years.
"And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall appoint captains of hosts at the head of the people." — Deuteronomy 20:9 (ASV)
The meaning is that the “officers” should then subdivide the levies, and appoint leaders of the smaller divisions formed in this way.
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