Deuteronomy 20 8

Deuteronomy 20:8 kjv

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.

Deuteronomy 20:8 nkjv

"The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, 'What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.'

Deuteronomy 20:8 niv

Then the officers shall add, "Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too."

Deuteronomy 20:8 esv

And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, 'Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.'

Deuteronomy 20:8 nlt

"Then the officers will also say, 'Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.'

Deuteronomy 20 verses

Deuteronomy 20 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 20:8 instructs the military officers to offer another opportunity for men to return home if they are fearful or fainthearted before going to war. This divine command ensures that the Israelite army comprises only those who are resolved and confident in God's power, preventing the contagion of fear from spreading and demoralizing their fellow soldiers. It emphasizes a reliance on divine strength and morale over sheer numbers in battle.

Deuteronomy 20 8 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 20 outlines regulations for Israelite warfare. The passage preceding verse 8, verses 5-7, details specific exemptions from military service: men who have built a new house, planted a vineyard, or betrothed a wife but have not yet enjoyed the fruits of their labor. These exemptions ensure that individuals can complete significant life milestones before risking their lives in battle. Verse 8 introduces another critical exemption, distinct from the others, focusing on psychological readiness. The historical context underscores that Israel's battles were considered "holy wars," where God fought for His people. Thus, the army's spiritual and mental state, reflecting trust in God, was paramount, rather than mere human strength or numbers. The rules aim to build a cohesive and spiritually robust fighting force.

Deuteronomy 20 8 Word analysis

• The officers (Hebrew: Shoterim, שֹׁטְרִים): These were administrative officials or scribes, distinct from military commanders, indicating the organized and formal nature of this proclamation. Their role highlights that these military rules were meticulously implemented and managed within the structured society.
• shall continue to speak (Hebrew: yaspu ledabber, יֹסְפוּ לְדַבֵּר): Emphasizes persistence in making this call. It implies a second, possibly more urgent or final, pronouncement after initial military readiness protocols. This public declaration served both as a policy and a test of morale.
• afraid (Hebrew: yārēʾ, יָרֵא): Refers to a state of being fearful, reverential awe, or dread. Here, it denotes fear of the enemy or the perils of battle, indicating a lack of trust in divine protection. It's a natural human emotion but is highlighted here as detrimental to the collective.
• fainthearted (Hebrew: yērākh levāv, יְרַךְ לֵבָב): A compound phrase literally meaning "soft of heart" or "tender-hearted." This indicates timidity, weakness of resolve, or cowardice. Such a state implies one whose courage has "melted" before the battle has even begun, incapable of strong decision or action under pressure.
• Let him go back to his house (Hebrew: yēlekh l'vēytô, יֵלֵךְ לְבֵיתוֹ): A direct command for immediate dismissal. This is a benevolent measure, preserving the individual from undue stress or potential desertion during battle, and also preserving the integrity of the army.
• lest he make the heart of his brothers melt like his own (Hebrew: pen yimmas l'vav eḥav k'l'vavô, פֶּן-יִמַּס לְבַב-אֶחָיו כִּלְבָבוֹ): This phrase highlights the critical communal impact of individual fear. "Melt" (masas, מָסַס) signifies weakening, dissolution, or being overwhelmed by dread, losing courage. The fear of one individual is presented as contagious, capable of spreading panic and undermining the entire army's morale and collective resolve. This underscores the spiritual and psychological importance of maintaining absolute faith in God among the fighting ranks. It reflects a clear understanding of military psychology where morale is a decisive factor in battle outcomes.

Deuteronomy 20 8 Bonus section

This regulation against fear in battle uniquely blends military pragmatism with spiritual theology. The yērākh levāv (fainthearted) is distinguished from those excused by specific life circumstances (house, vineyard, wife). While those had tangible reasons, this category addresses an internal, intangible state – a heart that "melts." This illustrates that the internal disposition of the soldier was as vital, if not more, than their physical presence. The Israelite understanding of warfare was not purely a human endeavor; it was often a divine appointment requiring faith as much as strategy. The provision here, therefore, removes a potential source of "unbelief" or "distrust" in the ranks, reinforcing the army's corporate reliance on God for victory. This principle of removing potential sources of weakening applies not just in literal warfare but in any collective spiritual endeavor where shared courage and faith are paramount for success against spiritual opposition.

Deuteronomy 20 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:8 unveils a profoundly insightful principle of ancient Israelite warfare, emphasizing the critical role of psychological and spiritual readiness over numerical superiority. It's a divine recognition of human frailty and the potent, contagious nature of fear. By permitting the "fainthearted" to withdraw, God ensured the purity and robustness of the fighting force, not just physically, but primarily mentally and spiritually. This directive is not a judgment against individual weakness but a strategic measure to prevent collective demoralization. The battle was often understood as the Lord's, requiring an army whose faith in Him was unblemished. A fearful soldier, even if physically present, could inadvertently sow seeds of doubt and panic, rendering the entire contingent ineffective. Thus, this regulation served to consolidate an army united in courage, trust, and resolve, ready to engage the enemy with the full confidence that God was with them. This principle echoes throughout the biblical narrative, as seen most notably in Gideon's reduction of his army, affirming that victory lies in divine strength rather than human might or fear-ridden numbers.

• Practical Usage Example: In Christian communities, a similar principle applies to leadership or active service. If an individual in a critical role lacks faith, resolve, or is easily discouraged, it can undermine the collective morale and mission of the group, hindering effective service to God. Encouraging such individuals to step back and find renewed strength or different service might be for the greater good of the community's spiritual health and effectiveness.