Deuteronomy 20:1-9

The Laws concerning War

20¹ "When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God , who brought you up from the land of Egypt , is with you. ² "When you are approaching the battle , the priest shall come near and speak to the people . ³ "He shall say to them, 'Hear , O Israel , you are approaching the battle against your enemies today . Do not be fainthearted e . Do not be afraid , or panic , or tremble before e them, ⁴ for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies , to save you.' ⁵ "The officers also shall speak to the people , saying , 'Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house , otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it. ⁶ 'Who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not begun to use its fruit ? Let him depart and return to his house , otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would begin to use its fruit . ⁷ ' And who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not married her? Let him depart and return to his house , otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.' ⁸ "Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say , ' Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted e ? Let him depart and return to his house , so that he might not make his brothers' hearts melt like his heart .' ⁹ "When the officers have finished speaking to the people , they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people .