Deuteronomy 20:2

2 When the battle is about to begin, let the priest come forward and speak to the troops.

Deuteronomy 20:2 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle
When all things are preparing for it, and it seems unavoidable:

that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people;
not any priest, but one appointed for this service; who is called

the anointed of war,
as Jarchi and Aben Ezra observe, and concerning whom Maimonides ^F4 is more particular; he says,

``they appoint a priest to speak to the people at the time of war, and they anoint him with the anointing oil, and he is called the anointed of war; twice the anointed of war speaks unto the people, once in a book at the time they go forth, before they set in battle array, he says to the people, "what man is there" and when he has caused his words to be heard, he returns; at another time, when they are set in array, he says, "fear not"''

this man seems to be an emblem of Gospel ministers, who are anointed with the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, and whose business it is to encourage the people of God to fight the Lord's battles against sin, Satan, and the world, and not to be afraid of their spiritual enemies; directing them to take to them the whole armour of God, and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ, to follow him the captain of their salvation, assuring them of victory through him who makes them more than conquerors, and that their warfare is or shortly will be accomplished.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 Hilchot Melachim, c. 7. sect. 1, 2.

Deuteronomy 20:2 In-Context

1 When you go to war against your enemy and see horses and chariots and soldiers far outnumbering you, do not recoil in fear of them; God, your God, who brought you up out of Egypt is with you.

2 When the battle is about to begin, let the priest come forward and speak to the troops.

3 He'll say, "Attention, Israel. In a few minutes you're going to do battle with your enemies. Don't waver in resolve. Don't fear. Don't hesitate. Don't panic.

4 God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win."

5 Then let the officers step up and speak to the troops: "Is there a man here who has built a new house but hasn't yet dedicated it? Let him go home right now lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it.