Laws of Warfare

1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see ahorses and chariots and people more numerous than you, bdo not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.

2 “When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people.

3 “He shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. aDo not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them,

4 for the Lord your God ais the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’

5 “The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not adedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.

6 ‘Who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not 1begun to use its fruit? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man 1would begin to use its fruit.

7 ‘aAnd who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not 1married her? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man 2would marry her.’

8 “Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘aWho is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that 1he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’

9 “When the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people.