Deuteronomy 20:2-12

2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.
3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them.
4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it.
6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it.
7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.”
8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”
9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.
10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.
11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.
12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

Cross References 12

  • 1. 1 Samuel 17:32; Job 23:16; Psalms 22:14; Isaiah 7:4; Isaiah 35:4; Jeremiah 51:46; Joshua 23:10
  • 2. 2 Chronicles 20:14-22
  • 3. S Exodus 14:14; 1 Chronicles 5:22; Nehemiah 4:20; Deuteronomy 1:30; Deuteronomy 3:22; Joshua 23:10
  • 4. Judges 12:3; Judges 15:18; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 144:10
  • 5. Nehemiah 12:27
  • 6. Jeremiah 31:5; Ezekiel 28:26; Micah 1:6
  • 7. 1 Corinthians 9:7
  • 8. Deuteronomy 24:5; Proverbs 5:18
  • 9. Judges 7:3
  • 10. S Deuteronomy 2:26; Luke 14:31-32
  • 11. ver 15; 2 Kings 6:22
  • 12. 1 Kings 9:21; 1 Chronicles 22:2; Isaiah 31:8
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.