New International Version When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. New Living Translation When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. English Standard Version And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people Berean Standard Bible When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass, in your⁺ drawing near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, King James Bible And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, New King James Version So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. New American Standard Bible When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people. NASB 1995 “When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. NASB 1977 “Now it shall come about that when you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. Legacy Standard Bible Now it will be, when you are drawing near to the battle, the priest shall approach and speak to the people. Amplified Bible When you approach the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people, Berean Annotated Bible When you⁺ are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, Christian Standard Bible When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. Holman Christian Standard Bible When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. American Standard Version And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, Contemporary English Version Before you march into battle, a priest will go to the front of the army English Revised Version And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, GOD'S WORD® Translation Before the battle starts, a priest must come and speak to the troops. Good News Translation Before you start fighting, a priest is to come forward and say to the army, International Standard Version As you draw near for battle, let the priest approach and speak to the army. NET Bible As you move forward for battle, the priest will approach and say to the soldiers, New Heart English Bible It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Webster's Bible Translation And it shall be when ye are come nigh to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, World English Bible It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it has been, in your drawing near to the battle, that the priest has come near, and spoken to the people, Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass, in your⁺ drawing near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Young's Literal Translation and it hath been, in your drawing near unto the battle, that the priest hath come nigh, and spoken unto the people, Smith's Literal Translation And it was in your coming near to the war, and the priest approached and spake to the people, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the battle is now at hand, the priest shall stand before the army, and shall speak to the people in this manner: Catholic Public Domain Version Then, as the battle now draws near, the priest shall stand before the front ranks, and he shall speak to the people in this manner: New American Bible When you are drawing near to battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the army, New Revised Standard Version Before you engage in battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the troops, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when you come near to the battle, the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And whenever you approach to battle, let the Priest approach and he will say to the people: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, Brenton Septuagint Translation And it shall come to pass whenever thou shalt draw nigh to battle, that the priest shall draw nigh and speak to the people, and shall say to them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Laws of Warfare1When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. 2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, 3saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.… Cross References When you are about to go into battle, Numbers 10:9 When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Deuteronomy 1:30 The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. the priest is to come forward Numbers 10:8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come. Numbers 31:6 And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. 2 Chronicles 13:12 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” and address the army, 2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. Judges 7:3 Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 1 Samuel 17:47 And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Judges 7:15-18 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” / And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. … 2 Kings 6:16 “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Psalm 46:1-3 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah Treasury of Scripture And it shall be, when you are come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, Numbers 10:8,9 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations… Numbers 31:6 And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand. Judges 20:27,28 And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, … Jump to Previous Address Approach Approaching Army Attacking Battle Draw Drawing Nigh Point Priest SpeakJump to Next Address Approach Approaching Army Attacking Battle Draw Drawing Nigh Point Priest SpeakDeuteronomy 20 1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle5. The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war 10. How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace 16. What cities must be devoted 19. Trees must not be destroyed in the siege When you are about to go into battle, Israel’s wars included the conquest of Canaan and the defense of the land God had given them. Before fighting, the people were to recognize that the outcome depended on the LORD rather than military strength alone. Num 10:9 When you enter into battle, sound short blasts… the priest is to come forward The priest represented the covenant relationship between the LORD and Israel. His presence reminded the army that they marched under God’s authority and were accountable to His commands. Num 10:8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets.… and address the army, He was to strengthen the soldiers by directing their confidence toward the LORD, who had delivered Israel from Egypt and promised to fight for His people. 2Sa 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people… Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestIn ancient Israel, the priest held a significant role as a spiritual leader and mediator between God and the people. In this context, the priest is responsible for encouraging and preparing the army spiritually before battle. 2. The Army of Israel The collective group of Israelite soldiers preparing to engage in battle. Their readiness is not only physical but also spiritual, as they rely on God's guidance and strength. 3. The Battle Represents the physical conflicts that the Israelites faced as they entered the Promised Land. These battles were often seen as spiritual tests of faith and obedience to God's commands. 4. The Land of Canaan The Promised Land that God had given to the Israelites, which they were to conquer and inhabit. The battles fought here were part of God's plan to establish His people in this land. 5. Moses Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Moses is the author of Deuteronomy and the leader who conveyed God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. Teaching Points Spiritual Leadership in Times of ConflictThe role of the priest underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of conflict. Leaders today should seek to encourage and spiritually prepare those they lead. The Power of Encouragement The priest's address to the army highlights the power of encouragement and faith in God. Believers are called to encourage one another, especially in challenging times. Reliance on God Over Physical Strength The emphasis on spiritual preparation before battle teaches that reliance on God is more crucial than physical strength or military might. The Importance of Obedience and Faith The Israelites' success in battle was contingent upon their obedience to God's commands and their faith in His promises. This principle remains relevant for believers today. Facing Life's Battles with Faith Just as the Israelites prepared for physical battles, Christians are called to prepare for spiritual battles with faith and trust in God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:2?2. How does Deuteronomy 20:2 emphasize the role of spiritual leadership in battle? 3. What can we learn about courage from the priest's role in Deuteronomy 20:2? 4. How does Deuteronomy 20:2 connect with Ephesians 6:10-18 on spiritual warfare? 5. How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 20:2 in facing life's challenges? 6. What does Deuteronomy 20:2 teach about God's presence during times of conflict? 7. What is the significance of the priest's role in Deuteronomy 20:2 during wartime? 8. How does Deuteronomy 20:2 reflect the relationship between faith and military action? 9. Why does Deuteronomy 20:2 emphasize the presence of a priest before battle? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20? (2) The priest.--There is no mention of the Levite here. The priest is named as a distinct personage. The words which the priest are to pronounce are, as it were, the blessing of Jehovah on the campaign. It follows that Israel could not lawfully go to war except when the blessing of Jehovah might be invoked.Verse 2. - The priest. Not the high priest or any one of the priests, but the military priest, the priest appointed to accompany the army, "the anointed for the war;" משׁיח המלחמה, as the rabbins designate him (cf. Numbers 21:6; 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Chronicles 13:12). His business was to exhort the people, and to encourage them by reminding them that the Lord was their Leader, and would help them in the conflict. The formula of his exhortation is given in vers. 3, 4. Deuteronomy 20:2 teaches that battles are won first in the heart. God orders a priest, not a commander, to step out and preach courage because victory flows from faith in Him. The sequence—approach the fight, let God’s representative step forward, hear God’s word—reminds every generation that when the LORD leads, no enemy can stand. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When you are about toוְהָיָ֕ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be go כְּקָֽרָבְכֶ֖ם (kə·qā·rā·ḇə·ḵem) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 7126: To come near, approach into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to battle, הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war the priest הַכֹּהֵ֖ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest is to come forward וְנִגַּ֥שׁ (wə·nig·gaš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach and address וְדִבֶּ֥ר (wə·ḏib·ber) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue the army, הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Additonal Resources Deuteronomy 20:2 Blue Letter BibleDeuteronomy 20:2 Bible Gateway Deuteronomy 20:2 Bible.com Deuteronomy 20:2 NIV |
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