CHAPTER XX _Directions concerning campaigns_, 1. _The priest shall encourage the people with the assurance that_ _God will accompany and fight for them_, 2-4. _The officers shalt dismiss from the army all who had just built_ _a new house, but had not dedicated it_, 5. _All who had planted a vi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:2. _THE PRIEST SHALL APPROACH, AND SPEAK UNTO THE PEOPLE_] The priest on these occasions was the representative of that God whose servant he was, and whose worship he conducted. It is remarkable that almost all ancient nations took their priests with them to battle, as they did... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:5. _THAT HATH BUILT A NEW HOUSE, AND HATH NOT DEDICATED_ _IT?_] From the title of Psalms 30:1, - _A Psalm or Song at the_ _Dedication of the House of David _- it is evident that it was a custom in Israel to dedicate a new house to God with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving; and... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:7. _BETROTHED A WIFE, AND HATH NOT TAKEN HER?_] It was customary among the Jews to contract matrimony, espouse or betroth, and for some considerable time to leave the parties in the houses of their respective parents: when the bridegroom had made proper preparations, then the br... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:8. _WHAT_ MAN IS THERE THAT IS _FEARFUL AND_ _FAINT-HEARTED?_] The original רך _rach_, signifies _tender_ or _soft-hearted_. And a _soft heart_ the man must have who, in such a contest, after such a permission, could turn his back upon his enemies and his brethren. However, such... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:10. _PROCLAIM PEACE UNTO IT._] Interpreters are greatly divided concerning the objects of this law. The text, taken in connection with the context, (see Deuteronomy 20:15-5), appears to state that this proclamation or offer of peace to a city is _only_ to be understood of those... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:17. _BUT THOU SHALT UTTERLY DESTROY THEM_] The above reasoning will gain considerable strength, provided we could translate כי החרם תחרימם _hi hacharem tacharimem, thou shalt_ _utterly subdue them _- slaying them if they resist, and thus leaving nothing alive that breathed; or... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 20:19. (_FOR THE TREE OF THE FIELD_ IS _MAN'S_ LIFE) _TO EMPLOY_ THEM _IN THE SIEGE_] The original is exceedingly obscure, and has been variously translated, כי האדם עץ השדה לבא מפניך במצור _ki_ _haadam ets hassadeh labo mippaneycha bammatsor_. The following are the chief versions... [ Continue Reading ]