Deuteronomy 20

¹When 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.

⁴For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

⁵Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

⁶Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

⁷Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”

⁸Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.”

⁹When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.

¹⁰When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.

¹¹If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.