Deuteronomy 20:3-7
The Message
20 1-4 When you go to war against your enemy and see horses and chariots and soldiers far outnumbering you, do not recoil in fear of them; God, your God, who brought you up out of Egypt is with you. When the battle is about to begin, let the priest come forward and speak to the troops. He’ll say, “Attention, Israel. In a few minutes you’re going to do battle with your enemies. Don’t waver in resolve. Don’t fear. Don’t hesitate. Don’t panic. God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win.”
5-7 Then let the officers step up and speak to the troops: “Is there a man here who has built a new house but hasn’t yet dedicated it? Let him go home right now lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it. And is there a man here who has planted a vineyard but hasn’t yet enjoyed the grapes? Let him go home right now lest he die in battle and another man enjoy the grapes. Is there a man here engaged to marry who hasn’t yet taken his wife? Let him go home right now lest he die in battle and another man take her.”
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Deuteronomy 20:3-5
New International Version
3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted(A) or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you(B) to fight(C) for you against your enemies to give you victory.(D)”
5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in(E) it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it.
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