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Concerning Warfare

Text: Deuteronomy 20:1-20
23 October 2018

CONCERNING WARFARE

1. Trusting the Lord   (Deuteronomy 20:1-4)

2. The role of priests   (Deuteronomy 20:2)

3. Exhortation to battle fear

a) Do not let your heart faint

b) Do not be afraid

c) Do not tremble

Nor be terrified of the enemies   (Deuteronomy 20:3)

4. Exhortation to remember the Lord

a) His presence

b) His power to fight enemies

c) His promise to save His people   (Deuteronomy 20:4)

EXEMPTION FROM SERVING IN THE ARMY

1. Built a new house but has not dedicated it yet   (Deuteronomy 20:5)

2. Planted a vineyard but has not eaten its fruits   (Deuteronomy 20:6)

3. Betrothed but not yet married   (Deuteronomy 20:7)

4. The fearful and fainthearted   (Deuteronomy 20:8)

ORGANISING THE ARMY

1. Leaders to be appointed (captains)   (Deuteronomy 20:9)

2. Basic structures (Leaders/ soldiers)

OFFERING PEACE

1. First step   (Deuteronomy 20:10)

a) If peace is accepted

b) Tribute may be asked for

2. Second step if peace deal is not accepted

a) Laying siege   (Deuteronomy 20:11)

b) War is on   (Deuteronomy 20:12-13)

c) War with soldiers (male)   (Deuteronomy 20:13)

d) To the victor belongs the spoils of war

i) Women

ii) Children

iii) Livestock

iv) All that is in the city

v) May eat the enemies’ plunder

e) Reference to far away cities

3. Special conditions

a) For the nations within Canaan

b) Total warfare   (Deuteronomy 20:16-17)

i) Utter destruction

ii) Nations mentioned   (Deuteronomy 20:17)

c) These nations would influence Israel to worship idols   (Deuteronomy 20:18)

4. Long sieges

a) Trees are not to be wantonly destroyed   (Deuteronomy 20:19)

b) Fruit trees in particular   (Deuteronomy 20:19)

c) Non-fruit trees may be cut to build siege-works