Deuteronomy 20:1

"Deuteronomy."

Key Reflection

Deuteronomy 20:1 begins with, "When you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands and you take them captive." This verse sets the stage for how Israelites were to treat their defeated foes in warfare. The cultural context of ancient Near East warfare often involved harsh treatment of captives, but this passage suggests a more measured approach, indicating that the outcome was seen as divinely ordained. The Lord's intervention in war highlighted His sovereignty and the importance of acknowledging Him in all aspects of life, including military conflict.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Horses, and chariots -The most formidable elements of an Oriental host, which the Canaanites possessed in great numbers; compareJoshua 17:16;Jdg 4:3;1 Samuel 13:5. Israel could not match these with corresponding forces (compareDeuteronomy 17:16note and references), but, having the God of battles on its side, was not to be dismayed by them; the assumption being that the war had the sanction of God, and was consequently just.

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