Deuteronomy 20:7

7 Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry 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 Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

6 Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

7 Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”

8 Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.”

9 When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.