Deuteronomy 20:2

2 Before the battle starts, a priest must come 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 enemies, you may see horses, chariots, and armies larger than yours. Don't be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you.

2 Before the battle starts, a priest must come and speak to the troops.

3 He should tell them, "Listen, Israel, today you're going into battle against your enemies. Don't lose your courage! Don't be afraid or alarmed or tremble because of them.

4 The LORD your God is going with you. He will fight for you against your enemies and give you victory."

5 The officers should tell the troops, "If you have built a new house but not dedicated it, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will dedicate it.