Commentators explain that the leaders met the victorious army outside the camp for two specific reasons. First, it was a gesture of honor to congratulate them on their victory. Second, it was a necessary step to ensure the soldiers, who were ritually unclean from contact with the dead in battle, underwent purification rites before re-entering the holy community. This action underscores the high value placed on both honoring warriors and maintaining ritual purity in ancient Israel.