Chapter 20 of Deuteronomy begins with Moses reviewing the principles that were to govern the people’s warfare. The first we read about here is that when Israel was on the verge of a battle that was in accordance with the will of God, the priest was exhort the men to take courage and not be afraid. I liked that.
"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. So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'—Deuteronomy 20:1-4
In Verses 5-7 the officers were then to encourage those whose hearts might be divided because they had other issues on their mind to leave and return home.
"Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying: 'What man is there who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. Also what man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eat of it. And what man is there who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.'—Deuteronomy 20:5-7
The first exemptions granted showed compassion for what time of life a soldier might be in. Verses 8-9 speak to another kind of exemption. It was granted to a faint-hearted soldier for reasons of army morale.
"The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.' And so it shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.—Deuteronomy 20:8-9
This one not only made a lot of sense to me practically but also helped my heart spiritually because it reminded me that fear is contagious and that all my hope and all my confidence should be in my ever present and all powerful God. The strongest army would be the one committed wholeheartedly to the Lord their God. Those who might affect another’s faith and confidence were also to be allowed to leave and return home. Cowardice here, one commentator said was “reckoned” as a spiritual problem. These men were to be removed before they could defect in battle or cause those around them to become fearful and disheartened. God wanted only those with willing and faith-filled hearts to fight
Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;—Psalm 110:3
"When leaders lead in Israel,
When the people willingly offer themselves,
Bless the LORD!—Judges 5:2
And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.—Nehemiah 11:2
Beloved…May our own hearts take courage. May we put aside fear and walk in faith. May the words we speak encourage those around us to confidence in God and not fear.
Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight."—2 Samuel 10:12
For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
"Do not say, 'A conspiracy,'
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.—Isaiah 8:12-13
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.—2 Timothy 6:7
