Deuteronomy 20:1, The priest’s exhortation to encourage the people to battle; Deuteronomy 20:5, The officers’ proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war; Deuteronomy 20:10, How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace; Deuteronomy 20:16, What cities must be devoted; Deuteronomy 20:19, Trees of man’s meat must not be destroyed in the siege.
Bible Commentary
Deuteronomy 20
Deuteronomy 20 — Overview
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Canne, Browne, Blayney, Scott, and others · Public Domain
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Deuteronomy 20 — OverviewDeuteronomy 20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis chapter settles the militia, and establishes the laws and
ordinances of war, I. Relating to the soldiers. 1. Those must be
encouraged that were drawn up to battle, ver. 1-4. 2. Those must be
dismissed and…Deuteronomy 20 — OverviewDeuteronomy 20 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter rules are given to be observed in times of war. When a battle was near, a priest was to address the soldiers, and encourage them to fight, De 20:1, then the officers were to declare who might return…Deuteronomy 20:1-9Deuteronomy 20:1-9 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIsrael was at this time to be considered rather as a camp than as a
kingdom, entering upon an enemy's country, and not yet settled in a
country of their own; and, besides the war they were now entering upon
in…Deuteronomy 20:1Deuteronomy 20:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryWhen 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…Deuteronomy 20:1-5Deuteronomy 20:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryWar.
The wars of the world form a large part of its history. Savage nations delight in war, revel in its bloodshed and barbarities. Their heaven is a Valhalla. Civilized communities, while averse from having wars waged…Deuteronomy 20:1-9Deuteronomy 20:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryMilitary service to be voluntary.
In war, forced service is worse than useless; it is a source of weakness—a cause of defeat. For successful warfare, all the skill and energy of every soldier is demanded; and unless…