Deuteronomy 20:7

7 Has anyone promised to get married to a woman but hasn't done it yet? Let him go home. If he doesn't, he might die in battle. Then 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 will speak to the army. They will say, "Has anyone built a new house and not started to live in it? Let him go home. If he doesn't, he might die in battle. Then someone else will live in his house.

6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not started to enjoy it? Let him go home. If he doesn't, he might die in battle. Then someone else will enjoy his vineyard.

7 Has anyone promised to get married to a woman but hasn't done it yet? Let him go home. If he doesn't, he might die in battle. Then someone else will marry her."

8 The officers will continue, "Is any man afraid? Is anyone scared? Let him go home. Then the other men won't lose hope too."

9 The officers will finish speaking to the army. When they do, they'll appoint commanders over it.