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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 the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the officers have finished speaking to their troops, they will appoint the unit commanders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.<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 the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall come about that when the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of 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 that when the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be when the officers have finished speaking to the soldiers, they shall appoint commanders of armies over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the officers have finished addressing the army, they will appoint military commanders to lead it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the officers have finished addressing the army, they will appoint military commanders to lead it.&#8221 <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 the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall appoint captains of hosts at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the officials are finished giving these orders, they will appoint officers to be in command 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 the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall appoint captains of hosts at the head of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the officers finish speaking to the troops, they should appoint commanders to lead them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the officers have finished speaking to the army, leaders are to be chosen for each unit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When the officials have finished speaking to the army, they must appoint officers to lead the troops."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then, when the officers have finished speaking, they must appoint unit commanders to lead the troops. <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 the officers have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of 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 the officers have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead 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 the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of 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 come to pass, as the authorities finish to speak to the people, that they have appointed princes of the hosts at the head of 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 come to pass as the authorities finish to speak unto the people, that they have appointed princes of the hosts at the head of 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 as the scribes finished to speak to the people, and they appointed captains of the armies in the head of 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 captains of the army shall hold their peace, and have made an end of speaking, every man shall prepare their bands to fight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the officers of the army have become silent, and have completed their speech, each one shall prepare his unit to wage war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the officials have finished speaking to the army, military commanders shall be appointed over them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the officials have finished addressing the troops, then the commanders shall take charge of them.<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 the scribes have made an end of speaking to the people, the commanders of the army shall stand at the head of 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 when the Scribes have finished speaking to the people, the Commanders of the armies shall stand at the front of 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 the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that captains of hosts shall be appointed at the head of 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 when the scribes shall have ceased speaking to the people, that they shall appoint generals of the army to be leaders of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-9.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=5565" 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">8</span>Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.” <span class="reftext">9</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7860.htm" title="7860: haš·šō·ṭə·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Active participle of an otherwise unused root probably meaning to write; properly, a scribe, i.e. an official superintendent or magistrate.">When the officers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: kə·ḵal·lōṯ (Prep-k:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">have finished</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">addressing</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> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: ū·p̄ā·qə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">they are to appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">commanders</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: bə·rōš (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">to lead it.</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."></a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.…<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="/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3-6</a></span><br />So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. / Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” / So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-10.htm">Joshua 1:10-11</a></span><br />Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: / “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-18</a></span><br />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. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">1 Samuel 17:32-37</a></span><br />And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” / But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” / David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-21.htm">2 Chronicles 20:21-22</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Nehemiah 4:13-14</a></span><br />So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. / After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10-13</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. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17-19</a></span><br />Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-6.htm">Ezekiel 33:6-7</a></span><br />But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ / As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16-20</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24-26</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3-6</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them / and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” / This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...</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 the officers have made an end of speaking to the people that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Army</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">End</a> <a href="/numbers/28-26.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Head</a> <a href="/numbers/33-1.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/exodus/16-22.htm">It</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-11.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/numbers/36-1.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-19.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-22.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/10-18.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-10.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-9.htm">Army</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-10.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-10.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/judges/5-9.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-6.htm">End</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-24.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-12.htm">Head</a> <a href="/joshua/10-5.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-1.htm">It</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-4.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-10.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-10.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-45.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-3.htm">Words</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 the officers have finished addressing the army</b><br>In ancient Israel, the role of the officers was crucial in preparing the army for battle. These officers were responsible for communicating God's laws and instructions to the soldiers, ensuring that the army was spiritually and mentally prepared. This practice highlights the importance of leadership and communication in maintaining order and morale. The officers' address would have included exemptions for those who were newly married, had built a new house, or planted a vineyard, as outlined earlier in <a href="/deuteronomy/20.htm">Deuteronomy 20</a>. This reflects a compassionate approach to warfare, acknowledging personal circumstances and prioritizing the well-being of individuals.<p><b>they are to appoint commanders to lead it</b><br>The appointment of commanders was a strategic move to ensure effective leadership and organization within the army. These commanders were likely chosen based on their experience, wisdom, and ability to lead men in battle. This structure of leadership is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God often appointed leaders to guide His people, such as Moses, Joshua, and the judges. The appointment of commanders also reflects a hierarchical system that mirrors God's order and authority. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate leader and commander of God's people, guiding them with wisdom and authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/o/officers.htm">Officers</a></b><br>These are the leaders responsible for addressing the army, providing instructions, and ensuring that the soldiers are prepared for battle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/army.htm">Army</a></b><br>The collective group of Israelite soldiers who are being prepared for battle. This represents the people of Israel as they engage in warfare.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/commanders.htm">Commanders</a></b><br>Appointed leaders who are given the responsibility to lead the army into battle. They are chosen after the officers have addressed the troops.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of God's chosen people, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land and face various enemies.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/warfare.htm">Warfare</a></b><br>The context of this passage, where the Israelites are given instructions on how to conduct themselves in battle according to God's commands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership.htm">The Importance of Leadership</a></b><br>God values structured leadership. Just as the Israelites needed commanders, we need spiritual leaders in our communities to guide and support us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_battle.htm">Preparation for Battle</a></b><br>Whether physical or spiritual, preparation is crucial. We must be ready to face challenges with faith and obedience to God's instructions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/delegation_and_responsibility.htm">Delegation and Responsibility</a></b><br>Effective leadership involves delegating responsibilities. In our lives, we should learn to trust others with tasks and empower them to lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The appointment of commanders was part of God's instructions. We must be diligent in following God's guidance in all areas of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The army of Israel was a unified body. In our spiritual journey, we should strive for unity and support within our faith communities.<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/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/how_does_romans_12_14_align_with_ot_warfare.htm">In Romans 12:14, how does 'blessing those who persecute you' align with Old Testament passages that command warfare or retribution?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_deut._9_6_stress_israel's_unworthiness.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6 - Why does this passage emphasize Israel's unworthiness while other parts of the law emphasize adherence to commandments for blessings and favor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_mezuzah.htm">What defines a mezuzah?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">Captains of the armies</span>--i.e., special leaders for the campaigns, whose command would probably cease when it was over. We may suppose from mention of the "thousands" in the army--"the captain of their thousand" (<a href="/1_samuel/17-18.htm" title="And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and look how your brothers fare, and take their pledge.">1Samuel 17:18</a>)--that the military divisions corresponded with the civil organization of the people so far as this, that the men of the same "thousand," according to Jethro's arrangement, would be brigaded together, and have one captain. If, as is also possible, the word "thousand" in military language signifies the contingent furnished by a "thousand" in Israel, irrespective of its number, it would remove many difficulties; for the whole thousand would very rarely be in the field together, and the contingent sent by a given "thousand" might consist of a very few men. If, therefore, the contingent of sixty "thousands" were to be described as 60,000, and the sixty companies were all cut up or annihilated, it might be reported as a slaughter of 60,000 men, while the lives actually lost would be nothing like so many.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - The next thing the <span class="accented">shoterim</span> had to do was to appoint captains to head the people who were going to war. The army was divided into bands or companies, and over each of these a captain was placed, whose it was to command and lead (cf. <a href="/numbers/31-14.htm">Numbers 31:14, 48</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/22-7.htm">1 Samuel 22:7</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Captains of the armies.</span> The phrase, "captain of a host" (<span class="hebrew">שַׂר צָבָא</span>), usually designates the general or commander-in-chief of the entire army (<a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/16-16.htm">1 Kings 16:16</a>, etc.); but here the phrase is used in the plural of the chiefs of the companies or detachments of which the whole was composed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-9.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 the officers</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשֹּׁטְרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šō·ṭə·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7860.htm">Strong's 7860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have finished</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּכַלֹּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḵal·lōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">addressing</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדַבֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<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">הָעָ֑ם</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 /><br /><span class="word">they are to appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָֽקְד֛וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·qə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commanders</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to lead it.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרֹ֥אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Deuteronomy 20:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:9 It shall be when the officers have (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:10" /></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>