Deuteronomy 20:7

7 And what man he that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Deuteronomy 20:7 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:7

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not
taken her?
&c.] Home to his house and bedded with her; has only betrothed her, but is not properly married to her, the nuptials are not completed; this the Jews understand of anyone betrothed to him, whether a virgin or a widow, or the wife of a deceased brother (yea, they say, if his brother is dead in war, he returns and comes home), but not of a former wife divorced and received again ^F13:

let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in battle, and
another man take her;
or marry her.

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 Misn. Sotah, ib. sect. 2.

Deuteronomy 20:7 In-Context

5 And the scribes shall speak to the people, saying, What man he that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the war, and another man dedicate it.

6 And what man he that has planted a vineyard, and not been made merry with it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man be made merry with it.

7 And what man he that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

8 And the scribes shall speak further to the people, and say, What man he that fears and is cowardly in his heart? Let him go and return to his house, lest he make the heart of his brother fail, as his own.

9 And it shall come to pass when the scribes shall have ceased speaking to the people, that they shall appoint generals of the army to be leaders of the people.