Deuteronomy 20:7

7 If you are engaged to a woman but have not married her, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will 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 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.

6 If you have planted a vineyard and not enjoyed the grapes, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will enjoy the grapes.

7 If you are engaged to a woman but have not married her, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will marry her."

8 The officers should also tell the troops, "If you are afraid or have lost your courage, you may go home. Then you won't ruin the morale of the other Israelites."

9 When the officers finish speaking to the troops, they should appoint commanders to lead them.