Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Deuteronomy 20. Laws to be Observed during War. Peculiar to cf. Deuteronomy 21:10 (which some attach immediately to ch. 20) and Deuteronomy 23:9; Deuteronomy 24:5 (see remarks prefixed to Deuteronomy 19:14 ff.). The general effect of these laws is to soften the barbarities of war, though in some respects (Deuteronomy 20:13) they perpetuate its grossest cruelties. What were the wars which suggested these regulations?

Deuteronomy 20:1. horses, and Chariots: Deuteronomy 17:16. The Assyrians and Egyptians were rich in these, and Israel had great fear of them (Joshua 17:16; Judges 1:19). Palestine was unsuitable for both on account of its mountains; Israel is to trust in Yahweh (Hosea 14:3; Isaiah 2:7; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:16 f; Psalms 147:10).

Deuteronomy 20:2. the priest: these wars were, as those of early Islam, religious ones; cf. the phrase to consecrate a war (Micah 3:5). i.e. to begin it with sacrifice (pp. 99, 114). Why is the king not mentioned? Had the monarchy ceased, this war code being then, like Ezekiel 40-48, an ideal programme?

Deuteronomy 20:5. Men to be excused from the war.

Deuteronomy 20:10 reminds one of the early wars of Islam.

Deuteronomy 20:17. utterly destroy: Deuteronomy 2:34 *. This drastic treatment is reserved for the Canaanites alone.

Deuteronomy 20:19. This law is infringed in 2 Kings 3:19; 2 Kings 3:25.