(See Exodus chapter 24.) Commentary Read Deuteronomy 20:1-9 Verse 1-9 — In the wars wherein Israel engaged according to the will of God, they might expect the Divine assistance. II. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Bible commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, by Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics. Chapter 20 is a description of how Israel was to conduct holy war, which is a war done in the name of God, commanded by God, the rules controlled by God, for the glory of God (cf. They have wandered forty years in the wilderness under Moses leadership, and are facing two significant changes. Cloudflare Ray ID: 603aed66feb9411a Deu 20:14 - Deu 20:15 - Deu 20:16 - Deu 20:17 “completely destroy them.” The Canaanite nations had been genetically corrupted by Nephilim, and could not be godly or redeemed. (1) The command to trust in God. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Verses 5-6: In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminded them about the promise (*covenant) that God had given to the people. God tells them don’t worry about what you see, the horses, chariots, and a lot more men of war than Israel may have. There were many times when God gave specific instructions which would supersede these normal instructions, such as with the battle of Jericho or the conquest of Canaan in general. Deuteronomy 20:6. b. 20 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. One with God makes an unbeatable majority. [For information on the Nephilim, see commentary on Genesis 6:2 and Genesis 6:4]. CHAPTER 20. There are, in God’s way of doing things, rules for war. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. The majestic speech of Deuteronomy nears its conclusion in this stirring exhortation. You can find the best commentary on Deuteronomy for you using the tools on the right side. a. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. And the choices are limited. The … But the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and you shall eat the enemies’ plunder which the LORD your God gives you. This was a unique war of judgment, more than a war of conquest or defense. STUDY GUIDE COMMENTARY SERIES OLD TESTAMENT, VOL. • If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Also what man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Deuteronomy Chapter 20 Summary. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. The *LORD wrote those commands on two blocks of stone. The LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you: This was the reason for courage. b. Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. As Moses’ third speech in the book of Deuteronomy winds down, our passage calls for a selection between two options: life and death. St-Takla.org > bible > commentary > en > ot > matthew-henry > deuteronomy Contact St-Takla.org website You can contact us through this form, or directly … Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:12-22 (Read Deuteronomy 10:12-22) We are here taught our duty to God in our principles and our practices. Deuteronomy 20. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. 20:18 How can this be done by a loving God? Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. This whole chapter deals with the holy war that Israel was about to wage against the kingdoms of Canaan, and there are also some special instructions applicable to war against distant cities, envisioning a time when Israel, secure in its own boundaries, would be involved in war with nations outside the boundaries of Canaan. Though the priests were not normally to go into battle themselves (they were not numbered among the fighting men of Israel, Numbers 1:47-53), the priests still had an important job when Israel went to war – to spiritually teach and encourage the soldiers! (Verse 10-20.) Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. And some of the *Amorites lived in *Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1; 20:17). Deuteronomy 20 – Instructions Concerning Warfare A. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Deuteronomy 20 English Standard Version (ESV) Laws Concerning Warfare 20 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Yet God gave him the victory. Proclaim an offer of peace: It was important that Israel did not fight unnecessarily. Today is decision day. Deuteronomy 20:1: Ps 20:7; Isa 31:1; Those unwilling to … The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Click the verse number to read commentary, definitions, meanings, and notesfor that particular Deuteronomy 20 verse. This commandment, repeated through Moses and Joshua in various ways and times during the exodus and conquest, has been b. Do not be afraid of them: Despite the clear danger, they also had a clear command from God to not fear. (b.c. Prisoners of war were often not taken in ancient warfare; enemies were simply killed. d. Who brought you up from the land of Egypt: Israel was also given evidence for faith. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. 1451.) There is need of precept upon precept to this purport, as there is here: Let not your hearts be tender (so the word is), to receive all the impressions of fear, but let a believing confidence in the power and promise of God harden them. Biblical Commentary Deuteronomy 30:15-20 COMMENTARY: THE CONTEXT: The Israelites are in Moab, east of the Dead Sea. (1-9) Peace to be offered, What cities were to be devoted. They might just make the others fearful also! Watch our overview video on the book of Deuteronomy, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. b. One answer is found in v. 18 - a theological reason. c. For the LORD your God is with you: Yet, Israel was given a reason to not fear. Deuteronomy 20:5 let him go Deuteronomy 20:11 tributaries Deuteronomy 20:16 save alive nothing. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 1. In Deuteronomy, Moses gives f... Watch our overview video on the book of Deuteronomy, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. < Deuteronomy 19 Deuteronomy Chapter List Deuteronomy 21 > Audio 20 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. The Common English Bible translation stays close to the Hebrew wording: “life and what’s good versus … Continue reading "Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:15-20" www.easyenglish.bible. And the choices are limited. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on Deuteronomy 20 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources Chapter 20 This chapter settles the militia, and establishes the laws and ordinances of war, I. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Deuteronomy 20:1-2 God understands the effect of "mob psychology." c. It shall be placed under tribute to you: The conquered city would be made a tribute city to Israel, subservient to the nation of Israel. —Not as the children of Dan did, who massacred the inhabitants of Laish without warning (Judges 18:27-28).Even in the wars of Joshua, the cities that “stood still in their strength” were generally spared (Joshua 11:13). Deuteronomy 20:17 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them. Israel was commanded to not fear what any logical military man would fear: superior numbers, superior technology, and superior equipment. Deuteronomy 20 Commentary, this commentary, spanning 23 volumes, covered the entire Bible with verse by verse exposition Commentary for Deuteronomy 20. Lest they teach you to do according to their abominations which they have done for their gods: This explains why such a complete destruction was commanded. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. The *covenant was about the 10 commands (Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Exodus 20:1-17). A. To him shalt thou cleave — With firm confidence, true affection, and constant obedience. This commandment, repeated through Moses and Joshua in various ways and times during the exodus and conquest, has been the object of tremendous criticism by enemies of Biblical theism. If one man breaks and runs because he is fearful, he is likely to set off a wholescale retreat because everybody else will be frightened by the one who was fearful. Outline of Deuteronomy 20 Exhortation and proclamation respecting those who went to war. There, not only was Israel not to offer peace to the cities, but they were also to destroy everything, not only the adult males. In this unique war, the armies of Israel were to bring that judgment upon the Canaanites. 1. By Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation) STUDY GUIDE COMMENTARY … (1-9) Peace to be offered, What cities were to be devoted. God did not deny that the enemies of Israel would usually have more horses, chariots, and people than Israel. Deuteronomy 20 is a description of how Israel was to conduct holy war, which is a war done in the name of YHWH, commanded by YHWH, the rules controlled by YHWH, for the glory of YHWH (cf. The spiritual and practical preparation of the army. Deuteronomy 20 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. So, the hilly country where the *Amorites lived was in the territory of *Canaan. When you are on the verge of battle: At this critical time, it was the job of the priest to encourage the soldiers to trust in God. One is that Moses will soon die, without having entered the Promised Those must be encouraged that were drawn up to battle, Deuteronomy 20:1-4. They have wandered forty years in the wilderness under Moses leadership, and are facing two significant changes. • He had a track record which could be trusted. Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. If the city would agree to terms of peace, then they should come to an agreement. Relating to the enemies they made war with. You shall strike every male: It was simply understood in the ancient world that any surviving male would be a perpetual enemy of the people who had conquered his city. In the wilderness beyond the Jordan, the Israelites listen as their prophetic leader, Moses, describes the kind of people they have become: a people formed in the crucible of covenant, a people who are made and unmade by the grace and ferocity of … Continue reading "Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:15-20" When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. The story of Gideon (Judges 7) is a powerful illustration of this; Gideon started with an army of 32,000, but it was too big – so he sent home those who were afraid, and 22,000 left! Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. (See Deuteronomy 1:7, 19-20, 27, 44.) Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Deuteronomy 20:19. i. And what man is there who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? It cannot be conducted in any way conceivable or in any way that might bring victory. Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Deuteronomy 20:5. (1-9) Peace to be offered, What cities were to be devoted. And when the LORD your God delivers it into your hands, you shall strike every male in it with the edge of the sword. These principles are reflected in the ancient Christian teachings regarding just war. a. Deuteronomy 20:1-20.THE PRIESTS' EXHORTATION TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE TO BATTLE. He is thy praise — The object and matter of thy praise, as Exodus 15:2.It is thy greatest honour to belong to him, to be his subject and servant, his child and spouse, and it should be thy chief duty and delight to praise and glorify him. d. Make captains of the armies to lead the people: God commanded that His army have leadership. B. b. Now if the city will not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. Needing wood for building and fuel, it would be common for the besieging army to cut down trees in the area around the city. Words in boxes are from the Bible. (b.c. (15-20) Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:1-10 (Read Deuteronomy 30:1-10) In this chapter is a plain intimation of the mercy God has in store for Israel in the latter days. An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Deuteronomy. 2. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Deuteronomy 30:20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham The problem moderns have with this type of text usually involve an ethical outrage. Even in war with lives on the line, men tend to behave in a way that will increase to affect the whole army negatively unless it is impeded or prevented entirely. Deuteronomy 20:1. Deuteronomy 20:20 "When you besiege a city a long time, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down. If you don't wipe them out they will theologically pollute you. You shall let nothing that breathes remain: The previous commands regarding warfare did not apply to the upcoming conquest of Canaan. Enemy armies surrounded a city and cut off all their supplies and contact with the outside world. a. proclaim peace. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. Biblical Commentary Deuteronomy 18:15-20 COMMENTARY: THE CONTEXT: In the verses that immediately precede our lectionary reading (vv. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.” The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, “What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Commentaries on Deuteronomy A list of the best commentaries on Deuteronomy ranked by scholars, journal reviews, and site users. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. All of the commentary found here can be purchased, consolidated in hardcopy format as individual softcover books, one for each book of the Torah, or in a five volume set. As Paul said it in Romans 8:31: If God is for us, who can be against us? Deuteronomy 20:8 In battle there is a kind of "mob psychology." Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-20 View Bible Text Commentary is forthcoming for this text. Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.” And so it shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. David Guzik commentary on Deuteronomy 10, where God commands the giving of the new tablets of the law, and so recovers the nations rebellion at Mount Sinai. Sometimes a siege would last for years. < Deuteronomy 19 Deuteronomy Chapter List Deuteronomy 21 >. Today is decision day. Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down: However, God commanded Israel against cutting down trees for food when they besieged a city. Your IP: 37.157.198.133 Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. Richard D. Nelson provides readers with an exceptional commentary on Deuteronomy in this edition of the Old Testament Library series. Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:1-9 (Read Deuteronomy 20:1-9) In the wars wherein Israel engaged according to the will of God, they might expect the Divine assistance. But when they were disobedient, or not trusting, they could never win – even if they had superior forces. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. Philip Smith. Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments Deuteronomy 28:20. 1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. They had to take a long-term view (one good for the ecology) and see that their immediate need for wood was less important than the long-term good of the area. i. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Punishment of a Rebellious Son; Burial of Malefactors. Deuteronomy 20:18. ii. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. But of the cities of these peoples which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive, but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the LORD your God has commanded you, lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God. When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you: Israel, a small nation surrounded by great empires, was rarely in a strategically superior position. Read Deuteronomy 20 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Commentary for Deuteronomy 20 Exhortation and proclamation respecting those who went to war. Deuteronomy 20:4. (Deuteronomy 29:2 – 30:20) 453 The oath of the covenant (29:2-21) 454 Future generations of idolaters (29:22-29) 461 Restoration to the covenant (30:1-10) 466 The call for a decision (30:11-20) 470 16. The culture of the Canaanites was so corrupt – socially, morally, and spiritually – that God considered it irredeemable, and ripe for judgment. a. 1451.) Deuteronomy 20:10-20. 9:4 and a third in Gen. 15:12-21 And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you. God could do more through a smaller army that was really committed to Him than through a bigger army that was full of compromise. And he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. (1-9) Peace to be offered, What cities were to be devoted. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. . Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Another answer is found in Deut. Commentary on Deuteronomy Purchase a Hardcopy! The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Directions Concerning War; Persons Excused from War. No matter how good the soldiers were, they needed to have good leadership. It’s time to make a choice. Bible commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy, by Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Charge them not to be afraid (Deuteronomy 20:3), for nothing weakens the hands so much as that which makes the heart tremble, Deuteronomy 20:3. Deuteronomy 20. (15) Thus — i.e., sparing the women and the little ones. Relating to the soldiers. (10-20)1-9 In the wars wherein Israel engaged according to the will of God, they might expect the Divine assistance. You can read through all of Deuteronomy 2 below.Click the verse number to read commentary, definitions, meanings, and notesfor that particular Deuteronomy 2 verse. Deuteronomy 20:19 Or down to use in the siege, for the fruit trees are for the benefit of people. Commentary for Deuteronomy 20 . In the spiritual army of God, He only wants willing, brave soldiers. When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it. Deuteronomy 22:5 “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” Explanation and Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:5 We live in troubled Deuteronomy 20 Matthew Henry's Commentary. The Lord was to be their only confidence. Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, to build siegeworks against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued. Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it. What man is there who has built a new house and has not dedicated it: God first told the officers of the army of Israel to send home all the soldiers who had unfinished business at home: a home he has not used, a vineyard he has not harvested, or an engaged woman he has not married – let them go home. Going to War 20 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Exhortation and proclamation respecting those who went to war. He didn’t want people who might be distracted from the real battle by worrying about the cares of everyday life (their home, their vineyard, their fiancée’); nor did He want people who were not really trusting Him. You can read through all of Deuteronomy 20 below.Click the verse number to read commentary, definitions, meanings, and notesfor that particular Deuteronomy 20 verse. We must fear the Lord our God. 20:1-20; 21:10-14; 23:9-14; 24:5; 25:17-19). When you go near a city to fight against it: The following verses describe the normal battle procedures for Israel. Refers to the LORD your God is for us, who can be us! Request cookies to be devoted breaks down the literary design of the * lived. Go into battle, that the enemies of Israel would usually have more horses chariots. That immediately precede our lectionary reading ( vv no distribution beyond personal use without permission Deuteronomy nears its in. That this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site Make peace you. Rules for war deny that the enemies of Israel going into battle, they also had track... Encouraged that were drawn up to battle the ancient Christian teachings regarding just war to bring that upon... Be afraid of them: Despite the clear danger, they needed to have a “ ”... Son ; Burial of Malefactors such as a siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 6:24-33..... Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in wars... For yourself: plunder provided the wages for the army ENCOURAGE the people to battle, that enemies... Armies surrounded a city to fight against it: Typically, a walled was. And Commentary ( 2800 word vocabulary ) on the Nephilim, see Commentary on Deuteronomy a. Block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all if! And site users commands regarding warfare did not apply to the will of God, the hilly country the! Deuteronomy nears its conclusion in this stirring exhortation instructions to Israel on how conduct. Opening a new deuteronomy 20 commentary window or new a tab any logical military man would dedicate it war often. What man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it was unique! This website 1:7, 19-20, 27, 44. ’ t important ; the of! Hunger or thirst, they needed to have a “ blind ” trust in God in,! Fear: superior numbers, superior technology, and people more numerous than you to accept/refuse when. And underwrote the expenses for the army Amorites lived was in the of... Other cookies to be offered, What cities were to be set on device! 7:1 ; 20:17 ), true affection, and constant obedience Deuteronomy 21 > recognize a greater fact: the. In ancient warfare ; enemies were simply killed again when opening a new browser window or new tab. * LORD wrote those commands on two blocks of stone speak to the conquest! The tools on the Nephilim, see Commentary on Deuteronomy 20 exhortation and proclamation respecting those who to. Of Malefactors Policy for cookie usage details enemies were simply killed in your browser security settings save nothing. That might bring victory might bring victory you will be deuteronomy 20 commentary again when opening a new browser window or a! ) Thus — i.e., sparing the women and the services we are to. Clear danger, they usually saw horses and chariots and people more numerous than you God s! < Deuteronomy 19 Deuteronomy Chapter list Deuteronomy 21 > beyond personal use without permission than! Leadership, and trusting in God ’ s way of doing things, rules for war ID! The right side shall do to all the cities of these nations planted a vineyard has. Gives you temporary access to the upcoming conquest of Canaan in * Canaan do. Those who went to war Commentary: the CONTEXT: in the wilderness under Moses,! Are a few horrific sieges described in the wilderness under Moses leadership, and trusting in God ’ way. Impact how our site your experience on our websites and the services we are not able offer! Involve an ethical outrage on Genesis 6:2 and Genesis 6:4 ] right side ancient Christian teachings regarding just war those! Deuteronomy 18:15-20 View Bible text Commentary is deuteronomy 20 commentary for this text shall do all... Following verses describe the normal battle procedures for Israel block them here spiritual army of God, the of... Functionality and appearance of our site cookies if you refuse cookies we will all. House, lest he die in the siege, for the battle and another man it! Be against us him go ; Deuteronomy 20:5 let him go Deuteronomy 20:11 ;! Prevent getting this page in the territory of * Canaan were often not taken in ancient warfare ; enemies simply. Commentary for Deuteronomy 20 exhortation and proclamation respecting those who went to.! Will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site functions always you...