Deuteronomy 20:1–8

Going to War

20 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours,j do not be afraidk of them,l because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be withm you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faintheartedn or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with youo to fightp for you against your enemies to give you victory.q”

5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live inr it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. 6 Has anyone planteds a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it?t Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. 7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.u” 8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”v