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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Now it shall come about that when you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it will be, when you are drawing near to the battle, the priest shall approach and speak to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When you approach the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Before you march into battle, a priest will go to the front of the army <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Before the battle starts, a priest must come and speak to the troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Before you start fighting, a priest is to come forward and say to the army, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As you draw near for battle, let the priest approach and speak to the army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As you move forward for battle, the priest will approach and say to the soldiers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be when ye are come nigh to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it has been, in your drawing near to the battle, that the priest has come near, and spoken to the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it hath been, in your drawing near unto the battle, that the priest hath come nigh, and spoken unto the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was in your coming near to the war, and the priest approached and spake to the people,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the battle is now at hand, the priest shall stand before the army, and shall speak to the people in this manner: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, as the battle now draws near, the priest shall stand before the front ranks, and he shall speak to the people in this manner:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you are drawing near to battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the army,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Before you engage in battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the troops,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when you come near to the battle, the priest shall approach and speak to the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And whenever you approach to battle, let the Priest approach and he will say to the people:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass whenever thou shalt draw nigh to battle, that the priest shall draw nigh and speak to the people, and shall say to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5490" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">When you are about to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: kə·qā·rā·ḇə·ḵem (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">battle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hên (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: wə·nig·gaš (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">is to come forward</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·ber (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and address</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the army,</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a></span><br />Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a></span><br />And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/10-9.htm">Numbers 10:9</a></span><br />When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a></span><br />And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a></span><br />But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Judges 7:15-18</a></span><br />When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” / And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-11</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a></span><br />So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it shall be, when you are come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/10-8.htm">Numbers 10:8,9</a></b></br> And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/31-6.htm">Numbers 31:6</a></b></br> And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of <i>every</i> tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-27.htm">Judges 20:27,28</a></b></br> And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God <i>was</i> there in those days, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Address</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-19.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-14.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Army</a> <a href="/acts/26-15.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-10.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/numbers/17-13.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-7.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/34-10.htm">Point</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-7.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/5-3.htm">Address</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Army</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/joshua/15-1.htm">Point</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-3.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When you are about to go into battle</b><br>This phrase sets the context for the instructions given to the Israelites as they prepare for warfare. In the ancient Near East, battles were common, and nations often engaged in warfare to defend their territories or expand their influence. The Israelites, under God's covenant, were often called to battle against nations occupying the Promised Land. This preparation for battle underscores the reality of spiritual and physical warfare in the life of God's people, reflecting the ongoing struggle between good and evil. It also foreshadows the spiritual battles Christians face, as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God.<p><b>the priest is to come forward</b><br>The role of the priest in this context highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and divine guidance in warfare. Priests in Israel served as mediators between God and the people, and their involvement in battle preparations signifies the need for God's presence and blessing. This act of the priest coming forward symbolizes the acknowledgment that victory comes not by might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord (<a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a>). It also points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers and leads them in spiritual battles.<p><b>and address the army</b><br>The priest's address to the army serves as a reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. This speech would likely include encouragement, assurance of God's presence, and a call to trust in Him. The address is a form of spiritual preparation, ensuring that the soldiers' hearts are aligned with God's will. It parallels the exhortations found in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith and rely on God's strength (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a>). The priest's role in addressing the army also prefigures Christ's role as the Word of God, who speaks truth and life into the hearts of His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priest.htm">The Priest</a></b><br>In ancient Israel, the priest held a significant role as a spiritual leader and mediator between God and the people. In this context, the priest is responsible for encouraging and preparing the army spiritually before battle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_army_of_israel.htm">The Army of Israel</a></b><br>The collective group of Israelite soldiers preparing to engage in battle. Their readiness is not only physical but also spiritual, as they rely on God's guidance and strength.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>Represents the physical conflicts that the Israelites faced as they entered the Promised Land. These battles were often seen as spiritual tests of faith and obedience to God's commands.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_canaan.htm">The Land of Canaan</a></b><br>The Promised Land that God had given to the Israelites, which they were to conquer and inhabit. The battles fought here were part of God's plan to establish His people in this land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Moses is the author of Deuteronomy and the leader who conveyed God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership_in_times_of_conflict.htm">Spiritual Leadership in Times of Conflict</a></b><br>The role of the priest underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of conflict. Leaders today should seek to encourage and spiritually prepare those they lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_encouragement.htm">The Power of Encouragement</a></b><br>The priest's address to the army highlights the power of encouragement and faith in God. Believers are called to encourage one another, especially in challenging times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god_over_physical_strength.htm">Reliance on God Over Physical Strength</a></b><br>The emphasis on spiritual preparation before battle teaches that reliance on God is more crucial than physical strength or military might.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience_and_faith.htm">The Importance of Obedience and Faith</a></b><br>The Israelites' success in battle was contingent upon their obedience to God's commands and their faith in His promises. This principle remains relevant for believers today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_life's_battles_with_faith.htm">Facing Life's Battles with Faith</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites prepared for physical battles, Christians are called to prepare for spiritual battles with faith and trust in God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_attribute_victories_to_divine_acts.htm">Why do biblical writers often attribute historical victories and defeats to divine intervention rather than natural causes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jehoshaphat's_army_win_by_singing.htm">How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_232_officers_defeat_a_large_army.htm">How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_20_7_vs._god's_battle_commands.htm">Psalm 20:7 - Does this portrayal of military reliance contradict biblical accounts where God commands battle preparations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">The priest.</span>--There is no mention of the Levite here. The priest is named as a distinct personage. The words which the priest are to pronounce are, as it were, the blessing of Jehovah on the campaign. It follows that Israel could not lawfully go to war except when the blessing of Jehovah might be invoked.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The priest.</span> Not the high priest or any one of the priests, but the military priest, the priest appointed to accompany the army, "the anointed for the war;" <span class="hebrew">משׁיח המלחמה</span>, as the rabbins designate him (cf. <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/13-12.htm">2 Chronicles 13:12</a>). His business was to exhort the people, and to encourage them by reminding them that the Lord was their Leader, and would help them in the conflict. The formula of his exhortation is given in vers. 3, 4. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When you are about to</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּקָֽרָבְכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·qā·rā·ḇə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">battle,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priest</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to come forward</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִגַּ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nig·gaš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and address</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדִבֶּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the army,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Deuteronomy 20:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:2 It shall be when you draw near (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>