Deuteronomy 19, 20, 21 Going to War

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Since God promised to enlarge Israel’s borders, Moses also instructed them on how they were to prepare for battle.  Moses continually emphasized to his nation that the land they were about to take was already prepared for them by God.  Since they were to receive their land in manageable bits, Moses informed them that later they would have more battles and that the Levites, who ministered before God, were to keep the nation focused on God and on His promises.

In Deuteronomy 20: 2 – 4, the priest was told to stand before the troops and adjure Israel  not to be afraid but rather to remember that “The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

And then, any of the troops distracted from leaning on God, were encouraged to go home.  This pertained to newly weds, a new homeowners, anyone afraid, anyone preoccupied with his job, etc.  God only wanted recruits who were completely – body, mind, and soul – devoted to His Word and to His promise to Israel.  Those who could not be fully focused on God were to be considered to be liability.  In this passage, I feel, that Moses underscored the spiritual significance of the battles Israel would face.  These battles belonged exclusively to God and to those He called fight.