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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 20:1 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/05_Deu_20_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 20:1 - Laws of Warfare" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:21">◄</a> Deuteronomy 20:1 <a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> “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. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a> “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. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220When 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, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “If 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 Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “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, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “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. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you have to go to war, you may find yourselves facing an enemy army that is bigger than yours and that has horses and chariots. But don't be afraid! The LORD your God rescued you from Egypt, and he will help you fight. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When you go to war against your enemies, you may see horses, chariots, and armies larger than yours. Don't be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> "When you go out to fight against your enemies and you see chariots and horses and an army that outnumbers yours, do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who rescued you from Egypt, will be with you. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> "When you go to war against your enemies and observe more horses, chariots, and soldiers than you have, don't be afraid of them, for the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt is with you. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a> When you go to war against your enemies and see chariotry and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more than you, 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. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> When thou goest out to battle against thy 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, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a> When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “When you go out to battle against your enemy, and have seen horse and chariot—a people more numerous than you—you are not afraid of them, for your God YHWH [is] with you, who is bringing you up out of the land of Egypt; <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> When thou goest out to battle against thine enemy, and hast seen horse and chariot -- a people more numerous than thou -- thou art not afraid of them, for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who is bringing thee up out of the land of Egypt; <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> When thou shalt go forth to war against thine enemy, and thou sawest horse and chariot, a multitude of people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them, for Jehovah thy God is with thee, he bringing thee up out of the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If thou go out to war against thy enemies, and see horsemen and chariots, and the numbers of the enemy's army greater than thine, thou shalt not fear them: because the Lord thy God is with thee, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “If you go out to battle against your enemies, and you see horsemen and chariots, and that the multitude of your adversary’s army is greater than your own, you shall not fear them. For the Lord your God, who led you away from the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a> When you go out to war against your enemies and you see horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD, your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, will be with you. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, 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 from the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHEN you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and a people more than you, 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. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> "And when you go out to battle against your enemies and you shall see horses and chariots, a people that are more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them, because LORD JEHOVAH your God goes with you who brought you up from the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for the LORD thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if thou shouldest go forth to war against thine enemies, and shouldest see horse, and rider, and a people more numerous than thyself; thou shalt not be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5475" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ṯê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">you go out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: lam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">to war</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 2ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">your enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·rā·’î·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and see</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sūs (N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">horses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: wā·re·ḵeḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">chariots,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">and an army</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: raḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">larger</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than yours,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: ṯî·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">of them;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ham·ma·‘al·ḵā (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc:: 2ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">who brought you</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: mê·’e·reṣ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">out of the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">is with you.</a> 2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> 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.” <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> 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. <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a> 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. <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a> But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / 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.” <a href="/isaiah/43-1.htm">Isaiah 43:1-2</a> But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5-6</a> Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” <a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16</a> “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a> The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a> and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/judges/7-2.htm">Judges 7:2-7</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. / Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” ... <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.goest out<a href="/deuteronomy/3-21.htm">Deuteronomy 3:21,22</a> And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest… <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1</a> When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;horses<a href="/joshua/10-5.htm">Joshua 10:5-8</a> Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it… <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4-6,9</a> And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many… <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Judges 4:3-9</a> And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel… the Lord<a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Deuteronomy 2:7</a> For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.<a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6,8</a> Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… <a href="/genesis/26-3.htm">Genesis 26:3</a> Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/numbers/33-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Army</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-10.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-9.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-23.htm">Larger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-22.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-13.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-7.htm">Thou</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-34.htm">War</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Army</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/joshua/24-6.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-48.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/joshua/10-2.htm">Larger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-15.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-62.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-11.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-6.htm">Thou</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">War</a> <a href="/joshua/11-6.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-9.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a> 5. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a> 10. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a> 19. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a> </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'; 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In the ancient Near East, warfare was a common occurrence, and nations often engaged in battles to defend their territory or expand their influence. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were often called to engage in battles against surrounding nations. This directive implies a proactive stance, indicating that the Israelites would face opposition and must be prepared to confront it.and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours Horses and chariots were symbols of military strength and technological advancement in ancient warfare. The mention of an army larger than theirs highlights the daunting nature of the opposition. The Israelites, primarily foot soldiers, would naturally feel intimidated by such formidable forces. This scenario emphasizes the human tendency to rely on visible strength and numbers, contrasting with the call to trust in divine power.do not be afraid of them This command addresses the natural human reaction of fear when faced with overwhelming odds. The Bible frequently encourages believers to overcome fear through faith. This directive is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, reminding the Israelites that their success does not depend on their own strength but on God's power and presence.for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt This phrase serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and mighty acts. The exodus from Egypt is a central event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness. By recalling this event, the Israelites are encouraged to trust in God's continued presence and power. It underscores the theme of God as a deliverer and protector, reinforcing the idea that He is capable of overcoming any obstacle.is with you The assurance of God's presence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It provides comfort and confidence to believers, affirming that they are not alone in their struggles. This promise of divine presence is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation of "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's presence among His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to conduct themselves in warfare. 2. <a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a> The opposing forces that the Israelites would face in battle, often representing larger and more powerful nations. 3. <a href="/topical/h/horses_and_chariots.htm">Horses and Chariots</a> Symbols of military strength and power in ancient warfare, often used by Israel's enemies. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who promises His presence and support in battle. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land from which God delivered the Israelites, serving as a reminder of His past faithfulness and power.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_presence.htm">Trust in God's Presence</a> Just as God was with the Israelites, He is with us in our battles today. We should not be intimidated by the size or strength of our challenges. <a href="/topical/r/remember_past_deliverance.htm">Remember Past Deliverance</a> Reflect on how God has delivered you in the past as a source of encouragement and faith for current struggles. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_fear.htm">Courage in the Face of Fear</a> Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in faith despite it, trusting in God's promises. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Recognize that our battles are not just physical but spiritual, and we must rely on God's strength and guidance. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Acknowledge that God is in control of all circumstances, and His plans will prevail despite human appearances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a> <a href="/q/does_lack_of_evidence_undermine_deut._20.htm">If the historical conquest described lacks concrete archaeological evidence, does it undermine the credibility of Deuteronomy 20? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_deut._20_with_nt_love.htm">How should we reconcile the war commands of Deuteronomy 20 with New Testament teachings on love and peacemaking?</a> <a href="/q/when_is_war_or_peace_appropriate.htm">When is war or peace appropriate?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'set_your_mind_above'_mean.htm">Why did God instruct Israelites to disable horses?</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>XX.LAWS OF WARFARE.(1) When thou goest out to battle--i.e., generally; not only in the immediate conquest of Canaan. Yet it may be observed that in the writings of Moses it is foreseen that the completion of the conquest will be gradual, and that Israel will have to go to battle many times before all enemies are overcome.Horses and chariots.--The Israelitish army was chiefly, or rather entirely, composed of infantry, in most of the great victories won by them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - When they found themselves opposed by an army more numerous than their own, and better furnished with the material of warfare, they were not to be afraid or discouraged, for Jehovah their God, who had brought them out of Egypt, would be with them to protect and help them (cf. <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>). Horses and chariots. In these, which constituted the main strength of the nations with which they would have to contend, the Israelites were deficient; and to them these were always objects of terror in war (<a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4</a>; <a href="/joshua/17-16.htm">Joshua 17:16</a>; <a href="/judges/1-19.htm">Judges 1:19</a>; <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Judges 4:3</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a>). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you go out תֵצֵ֨א (ṯê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to war לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your enemies אֹיְבֶ֗יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> Hating, an adversary and see וְֽרָאִ֜יתָ (wə·rā·’î·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see horses, ס֤וּס (sūs) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) chariots, וָרֶ֙כֶב֙ (wā·re·ḵeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone and an army עַ֚ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock larger רַ֣ב (raḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great than yours, מִמְּךָ֔ (mim·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be afraid תִירָ֖א (ṯî·rā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten of them; מֵהֶ֑ם (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God, אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who brought you הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֖ (ham·ma·‘al·ḵā) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively out of the land מֵאֶ֥רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of Egypt, מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa is with you. עִמָּ֔ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go forth to battle against (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:2" /></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>