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 .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5-8
Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:1-9
(Read Deuteronomy 20:1-9)
In the wars wherein Israel engaged according to the will of God, they might expect the Divine assistance. The Lord was to be their only confidence. In these respects they were types of the Christian's warfare. Those unwilling to fight, must be sent away. The unwillingness might arise from a man's outward condition. God would not be served by men forced against their will. Thy people shall be willing, Isaiah 8:12.