Deuteronomy 20:1-20
LAWS OF WARFARE 1. Horses and chariots] The army of the Israelites was chiefly composed of infantry: see on Deuteronomy 17:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
LAWS OF WARFARE 1. Horses and chariots] The army of the Israelites was chiefly composed of infantry: see on Deuteronomy 17:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PRIEST] It is implied that the priests accompany the hosts of Israel into battle: see on Numbers 10:9. Hence the Heb. phrase 'to consecrate a war, or warriors,' usually rendered to 'prepare': see Joel 3:9 mg.; Isaiah 13:3. 5-9. From Numbers 1:3 it would appear that all able-bodied men from twent... [ Continue Reading ]
War is to be regarded as the last resort, and only to be employed when negotiations for peace have been tried and failed. In the event of victory, only the fighting men are to be put to death; women and children are to be spared, except in the case of neighbouring idolatrous tribes.... [ Continue Reading ]
Cp. Deuteronomy 7:1. 19, 20. Fruit-trees are not to be used for bulwarks and battering rams. The words at the end of Deuteronomy 20:19 should probably be read as in RV, 'for is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged of thee?' i.e. the tree does no harm and is not to be treated as an... [ Continue Reading ]