Devarim 20 (Deuteronomy 20)
Devarim 20 discusses preparation for going to battle. It provides guidelines for those that should go to battle and those that should stay at home. Although what is stated may not seem applicable, it is a shadow for us. It delineates those who should go forth in the ministry today and in the Millennium. Not all are qualified, some need to take care of business at home before proceeding forward. It then tells us how to deal with those outside the land and those in the land of Yisrael, the Kingdom. There are guidelines for those that will make peace with us and those that are resistant. There is a reminder that former foreign inhabitants of the land should be utterly destroyed. When besieging a land, there is guidance about what trees we should let remain and those that may be cut down for siege.
Yehovah is used 7 times in Devarim 20.
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Fear No Nation
Fear No Nation
Devarim 20:1
1 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, a people more than you, be not afraid of them. For Yehovah your Redeemer with you, which brought you up out of the land of Mitzrayim.
When the Children of Yisrael went to battle, they were not to fear who was before them. This was always contingent that they went where Yehovah sent them. They were to remember that Yehovah delivered them from Mitzrayim.
Although Yisrael is one of the smallest nations in existence and their population is not much to speak of, a vast majority of the globe is familiar with the events that occurred in Mitzrayim. Yehovah took a small group of people and delivered them from the greatest nation on earth at that time. Yisrael did not even have to lift up a weapon. Yehovah delivered Yisrael with mighty signs and wonders.
Even though Yisrael was out of the land for almost 1900 years, today Yisrael is a nation. Even now one of the smallest nations, it still directly affects events throughout the globe. Nations much larger have not been able to defeat Yisrael. A coalition of twelve nations was unable to defeat them. There is never a reason to fear for the nation of Yisrael from outside forces. Our greatest fear should be from within ourselves.
Just as Elisha told His servant in 2 Melakhim 6:16.
16 And he answered, Fear not. For they that with us more than they that with them.
Then Yehovah opened the servant’s eyes, 2 Melakhim 6:17.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Yehovah, I pray, open his eyes, that he may see. And Yehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw and, behold, the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
We must open our eyes to the spiritual if we are to see what is happening around us. If we are sent by God, we can depend on 1 Yochanan 4:4.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
We must have the greater inside us. We do that by building ourselves up in our most holy faith and keeping ourselves in His love. Practically speaking, we do this by praying in the Spirit and walking in the newness of Torah. When we do this, there will never be anything to fear.
Led of the Spirit in Faith
Led of the Spirit in Faith
Devarim 20:2
2 And it shall be, when you are come nigh to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
This is far different than most battle scenes we are used to.
Before Yisrael goes to the battle, the priest approaches the people and speaks to them. In most, if not all, armies, the general will speak to the people. There may be a pastor there to say a prayer, but that is the extent of the religious involvement. However, with Yisrael, the Priest is sifting out those that should not go to battle. Then again, Yisrael is the only army that is to be led of the Spirit when they go forth. There should always be a Priest that must go before the army.
This is the unique relationship we have with Yehovah. It should not be just the military generals at the front. It should be the spiritual leaders of the people right along side the generals. We are a spiritual people, we do not go anywhere without consulting the Spirit first.
Devarim 20:3
3 And shall say to them, Hear, Yisrael, you approach this day to battle against your enemies. Let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be you terrified because of them;
The Priest should encourage the people. If we go in the name of Yehovah, we will always be successful. We are to be led of the Spirit, Romans 8:14.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We are to be led of the Spirit for everything we do. Paul demonstrated this many times. Paul thought to go Asia, but was redirected by the Spirit in Acts 16:6-10.
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia, 7 after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not allow them. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel to them.
When we are sensitive to the spirit as Paul was, we will go forward in Yehovah’s Power. If He is with us each step of the way, we go in faith and leave fear behind. Then we will prosper as He would have us prosper.
Devarim 10:4
4 For Yehovah your Redeemer He that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
The difference between going in fear and knowing He is leading us is fulfilling Hebrews 11:1.
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hoped is the Greek word ἐλπίζω elpizo (G1679). It is in the Bible 32 times. ἐλπίζω elpizo (G1679) is translated trust 18 times, hope 10 times, hope for 2 times, things hoped for 1 time and variation of hope 1 time. ἐλπίζω elpizo (G1679) expresses something that is trusted to occur. Hope does not always express the correct meaning. It may lead to an understanding that infers wishing something would happen as opposed to knowing it will happen. ἐλπίζω elpizo (G1679) is hope that is known; therefore, absolute trust should prevail.
When the Children of Yisrael went to battle as led by Yehovah, they knew that the battle was already won. It was just a question of whether the people were willing to accept peace terms or otherwise be defeated. When Yehovah leads us in the Spirit, it should be the same. We should have no doubt that we are acting in His will. When we do, we will always have good success.
Officers, Sub-Officials
Officers, Sub-Officials
Devarim 20:5
5 And the officers (shoter) shall speak to the people, saying, What man that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
Officer comes from the Hebrew word שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860). It is in the Bible 25 times. שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) is translated officers 23 times, ruler 1 time and overseer 1 time. שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) implies a subordinate official. These may have been individuals originally trained in the scribal arts based on the root word. שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) is used as a general term for an official in many areas of government and society. They typically had administrative oversight and sometimes first line leadership responsibilities. It was used for the Yisraeli sub-officials under the Mitzrayim overseers who drove the Hebrews to hard labor, Shemos 5:6.
6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters (nagas) of the people, and their officers (shoter), saying,
And again in Shemos 5:10.
10 And the taskmasters (nagas) of the people went out, and their officers (shoter), and they spoke to the people, saying, Thus says Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
The officers were accountable for both the amount and quality of the work, Shemos 5:14-19.
14 And the officers (shoter) of the Children of Yisrael, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters (nagas) had set over them, were beaten, demanded, Wherefore have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? 15 Then the officers (shoter) of the Children of Yisrael came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore deal thus with your servants? 16 There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, Make brick and, behold, your servants beaten; but the fault in your own people. 17 But he said, You idle, idle. Therefore you say, Let us go do sacrifice to Yehovah. 18 Go therefore now, work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall you deliver the measurement (token) of bricks. 19 And the officers (shoter) of the Children of Yisrael did see they in evil (ra), after it was said, You shall not minish from your bricks of your daily task.
During the years of wandering in the wilderness, Bemidbar 11:16 designates the seventy elders of Yisrael as sub-officials.
16 And Yehovah said to Moshe, Gather to me seventy men of the elders (zaqen) of Yisrael, whom you know to be the elders (zaqen) of the people, and officers (shoter) over them; and bring them to Ohel Moed, that they may stand there with you.
These officers shared in the administration Yehovah gave to Moshe, Devarim 1:15.
15 So I took the head (rosh) of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads (rosh) over you, princes (sar) over thousands, and princes (sar) over hundreds, and princes (sar) over fifties, and princes (sar) over tens, and officers (shoter) among your tribes.
Throughout the early days of Yisrael, they were associated with the elders, sometimes in the civil administration, Devarim 31:28.
28 Gather to me all the elders (zaqen) of your tribes, and your officers (shoter), that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and the land to record against them.
Or in matters relative to military affairs, Devarim 20:5.
5 And the officers (shoter) shall speak to the people, saying, What man that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
Yehoshua 1:10-11
10 Then Yehoshua commanded the officers (shoter) of the people, saying, 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days you shall pass over this Yarden, to go in to possess the land, which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you to possess it.
And in Yehoshua 3:2-3.
2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers (shoter) went through the host; 3 and they commanded the people, saying, When you see the Ark of the Covenant of Yehovah your Redeemer, and the Priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall remove from your place, and go after it.
The position continued during the monarchies. The officers were involved in military and administrative affairs, 1 Divre Hayyamim 27:1.
1 Now the Children of Yisrael after their number, the head (rosh) fathers and princes (sar) of thousands and hundreds, and their officers (shoter) that served the king in all (kol) words (davar) of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course twenty and four thousand.
And in 2 Divre Hayyamim 26:11.
11 Moreover Uzziyyahu had a host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Yeiel the scribe and Maaseyahu the officer (shoter), under the hand of Chananyahu, of the king’s princes (sar).
And as Levites, in judicial and religious matters, 1 Divre Hayyamim 23:4.
4 Of which, twenty and four thousand to set forward the work of the house of Yehovah; and six thousand officers (shoter) and judges.
1 Divre Hayyamim 26:29
29 Of the Yitzhari, Kenanyahu and his sons for the outward business over Yisrael, for officers (shoter) and judges.
2 Divre Hayyamim 19:11
11 And, behold, Amaryahu the head (rosh) priest over you in all words (davar) of Yehovah and Zevadyahu the son of Yishmael, the ruler (nagiyd) of the house of Yehudah, for all the king’s words (davar). Also the Levites officers (shoter) before you. Deal courageously, and Yehovah shall be with the good.
2 Divre Hayyamim 34:13
13 Also over the bearers of burdens, and overseers (natsach) of all that wrought the work in any manner of service. And of the Levites scribes, and officers (shoter), and porters.
שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) was formerly translated overseer in Mishlei 6:6-8.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Which having no guide, officer (shoter) or ruler, 8 provides her bread (lechem) in the summer, gathers her food in the harvest.
שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) refers to an individual that ensure orders are carried out. They typically work for the individual in charge. שֹׁטֵר shoter (H7860) should rendered officer at all times.
Inaugurated to Begin
Inaugurated to Begin
Devarim 20:5
5 And the officers (shoter) shall speak to the people, saying, What man that has built a new house, and has not inaugurated (chanak) it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate (chanak) it.
Inaugurated (formerly dedicate) comes from the Hebrew word חָנַךְ chanak (H2596). It is in the Bible 5 times. חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) is translated dedicate 4 times and train up 1 time. It is used twice in Devarim 20:5.
חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) is used as a verb. It is used 2 times to refer to one’s home, 2 times it refers to the First Temple and 1 time referring to a child. Although usually rendered “dedicate” a more accurate translation is “begin” or “initiate.” חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) is best understood as “inaugurate.”
חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) and its derivates refer to an action in connection with structures such as a building, wall, an altar or an image. It is used when there is a community action possibly a religious structure. This may involve offerings. This was the case with Solomon’s Altar and the Temple during Ezra’s time.
The initial use of a religious structure was given special significance. The completion of a project was observed with an inauguration of the structure, an event appropriately accompanied by sacrifice and joy.
חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) is associated with the initially use of something. It would be more appropriate to render it a form of inaugurate.
It is used in 1 Melakhim 8:63. חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) rendered inaugurated was formerly dedicate.
63 And Shelomo offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to Yehovah, two and twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the Children of Yisrael inaugurated (chanak) the house of Yehovah.
And in 2 Divre Hayyamim 7:5. חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) rendered inaugurated was formerly dedicate.
5 And king Shelomo offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people inaugurated (chanak) the house of Redeemer.
Both of these are describing the dedication of the Temple.
Finally, חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) is used in Mishlei 22:6. חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) rendered inaugurate was formerly train up.
6 Inaugurate (chanak) a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
חָנַךְ chanak (H2596) should be rendered a form of inaugurate.
House is Prepared
House is Prepared
Devarim 20:5
5 And the officers (shoter) shall speak to the people, saying, What man that has built a new house, and has not inaugurated (chanak) it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man inaugurate (chanak) it.
If one has not inaugurated their home, they should return to do so. This is the process of beginning the family. One should start their family prior to going to battle. The family will give the soldier reason enough to be faithful and return after the battle. They now have something to fight for.
In light of the New Testament, a believer that goes to battle is typically one that is in the ministry, but not necessarily in the five fold, Ephesians 4:11.
11 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
One who is a soldier, typically is under the supervision of one in the five fold. However, one does not start out as a soldier.
One starts out as a child in the faith and matures. For some, maturing may take a lifetime. It depends on commitment, willingness to change and submitting to God. For most believers their commitment is minor, their willingness to change is even less and submitting to God becomes almost negligent at times. Many of us are still rebellious and unwilling to listen to anyone or anything other than ourselves. We are still waffling between being a goat and a sheep.
One typically starts out almost starving in the faith until they can find one that can provide the milk of the word, 1 Peter 2:1-3.
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 3 If so be you have tasted that the Lord gracious.
Before milk can be absorbed and fully benefit the body, one must lay aside all malice, guile, hypocrisy, envies and evil speak.
· Malice is wickedness in character, not ashamed to break Torah.
· Guile is deceit, misrepresenting themselves and others.
· Hypocrisy acting other than who you are.
· Envies is jealousy of others, unhappy with your provision.
· Evil speak is backbiting, defamation of others or God, speaking against.
These five things will hold many back from maturing. We must be willing to abandon these humanistic traits if we are to mature in the faith. These former traits will eventually be replaced with a better and more relaxing demeanor in the Spirit. It is important to absorb the milk of the word if we are to mature beyond a child, Hebrews 5:12-14.
12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that uses milk unskillful in the word of righteousness. For he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Because of the lack of qualified teachers in the faith, many never receive the milk of the word to mature. As a result, few can properly digest strong meat let alone restate the milk of the word in an understandable fashion consistently. One must mature in the word and be able to discern both good and evil if they are to be of much use to God. As a believer matures, they will be able to discern good and evil. From this, there is the possibility to be called to be a laborer in Messiah.
Laborers
Laborers
The idea of a laborer was first expressed by Yeshua in Matityahu 9:35-38.
35 And Yeshua went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly plenteous, but the laborers few; 38 pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.
Within this, Yeshua alludes to one of the most important differences between a laborer and the average believer. The laborer is focused on helping others and actually has the ability to do so. The power of God flows through them to enable the laborer to actually heal an individual. Whereas the average believer will minister out of their hurts because they are trying to heal themselves through others. This will eventually result in hurting both the individual and who they are ministering to. We must not go forward until we are sent in His power. When we go forward in His power, we will prosper in all we do.
After talking to the Ephesian Elders concerning what was about to occur, Paul tells them in Acts 20:32-35.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Yeshua, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
A laborer does not work for personal gain or rewards. We are to labor for the weak. A laborer is able to do what is necessary to mature a body of believers. Laborers expect nothing in return. The reward of the labor is in serving the One that sent them.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
9 For remember, brethren, our labor and travail. For laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
A laborer is willing to work when it is inconvenient for them. They have come to the point that their time is no longer theirs. They are available 24-7 to serve those who God would have them serve.
These are just a few things that differentiate the average believer from a laborer. Many believe they are laborers, but they are actually self-serving. They hear the call from themselves as opposed to the Spirit. We must be sure of who we are. We need to appreciate that it is people’s lives we are dealing with. We should wait until we are sent to ensure that we do not inflict others. A true laborer will bring the healing so many badly need.
Soldiers
Soldiers
Philemon 1
1 Paul, a prisoner of Yeshua Messiah, and Timothy brother, to Philemon dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,
Paul calls Philemon a dearly beloved, fellow laborer. Paul considered Philemon as one that was working alongside him. We should be fellow laborers building together, 1 Corinthians 3:9-10.
9 For we are laborers together with God. You are God’s husbandry, God’s building. 10 According to the grace (charis) of God which is given to me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.
We are to work together to build the household of God for God’s purposes. We should be careful to build upon God’s foundation, building up His spiritual household. We build according to Yehovah’s pattern and direction. Some of us are carpenters and some of us are bricklayers. We are to be fellow laborers whether or not we are going to the same assembly.
Now Paul will differentiate between Philemon and other believers in Philemon 2.
2 And to beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house.
Ἄρχιππος Archippus (G0751) was considered to be the teacher in Colosse, Colossians 4:17.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it.
Something is different about Archippus. Paul refers to him as a fellow soldier. This is different than a fellow labor. Paul will refer to very few this way. These are different than fellow laborers.
Paul again uses the term fellow soldier in Philippians 2:25.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
A fellow soldier is more than one that labors with you. A fellow soldier is one that is in the service of the King most high. These are the ones that are doing the work so few of us are qualified to do. Few know of these individuals. They do the work that actually builds up the body of Messiah.
This may come as a shock to many, but not all of us are soldiers. Not all of us have been called to be soldiers in God’s army. There are definite reasons why Paul tells his son Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3.
3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Yeshua Messiah.
A soldier endures hardness. Not all are willing to endure hardness. Not all are willing to be a prisoner of the Lord. Few are capable. One must be endowed with the necessary characteristics and develop the required skills.
Hardness comes from the Greek word κακοπαθέω kakopatheo (G2553). It means to suffer or endure hardships and troubles, to be afflicted. Not everyone endures hardness, not everyone of us are fellow soldiers and not many of us are willing to be afflicted very long.
The difference is, the soldier fights the battle in the congregation in the service of God. Out in the world, we are laboring. This may be a little different than what most think; however, that is what the Bible tells us. That is why so much spiritual warfare is nonsense. Not only is it not consistent with the Bible, but the people doing it are not soldiers. They are ill equipped to fight the enemy. They are not called of God. Too many are doing warfare when they should be laboring. We need to model ourselves after the First Century and not the dramatics of the present day.
Most of us who think we are soldiers in God’s army have not even secured our homes. This why Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 3:2-7.
2 An overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the assembly of God? 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the judgment (krima) of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Most understand the literal meaning of these words. Few understand the figurative meaning. These are qualifications that will quickly eliminate many of us from being a soldier.
One should not take this as condemnation. Not all are presently qualified. We should never try to be more than God has given us. If one wants to be a soldier, they should take a hard look at these as goals to work towards. To achieve these will take time and the power of God working through them, God’s grace.
Vineyard and the Wife
Vineyard and the Wife
Devarim 20:6
6 And what man that has planted a vineyard, and has not eaten (chalal) of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat (chalal) of it.
Eaten and eat are the Hebrew word חָלַל chalal (H2490). It is in the Bible 141 times. As a verb, chalal is used in two different ways. In one sense, the word means “to pollute” or “to profane.” In the second usage, the word has the sense of “to begin.”
In Devarim 20:6, it is inferring to begin to taste of the vineyard. This is similar to inaugurate. Those who have planted should be first to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
If a man has not tasted of their own vineyard, they should not go to war. One should have realized the benefit of their labors before engaging in battle. Again, this is a reason to return home.
We, as believers, should have seen the fruits of our labors. We should see individuals maturing in the faith before we are called to battle. Or how else will we learn to operate under the worst of situations if we cannot contend with the best of situations.
Devarim 20:7
7 And what man that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken (laqach) her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take (laqach) her.
Taken and take is the Hebrew word לָקַח laqach (H3947). It is in the Bible 965 times. Greater than 80 percent of the time, לָקַח laqach (H3947) is translated some form of take. Primarily, this word means “to take, grasp, take hold of,” as when Noach reached out and took hold of the dove to bring it back into the ark in Bereishis 8:9.
9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him into the ark, for the waters on the face of the whole land. Then he put forth his hand, and took (laqach) her, and pulled her in to him into the ark.
A secondary meaning is “to take away, remove, take to oneself,” as when the invading kings “took away” and “took to themselves” all the movable goods of the cities of the plain, Bereishis 14:11.
11 And they took (laqach) all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.
Sometimes this verb implies “to receive something from someone.”
Now what needs to be understood from all this is. When one marries a wife, they are not to simply take hold of her physically and possess her as their own. The man is to take a hold of her heart, such that she takes a hold of his heart. So, when a husband and wife are separated, they long for the joining of one to another. Something no other individual can displace. It should be as in Bereishis 2:24-25.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
There should be no shame between a husband and wife. They should be open to each other and closed off to all others.
When one thinks of the relationships that as being described here, it brings to mind a complex set of parameters. These relationships require one who is skilled and can easily adapt to various situations and personalities. It is one who can quickly change from one complex set of variables to another and yet not cause undue friction. One must not only understand the word and move strong in the Spirit. They must be able to do it in a fashion that results in the intended outcome.
This is something few are skilled at. Yet many overlook these and quickly go to war in the Spirit only to hurt more than they help. They create dead works that prevent the afflicted from finding the healing they need in this lifetime. We should be cautious before taking these steps. We should only proceed forward when we are sent in His power.
Fearful and Fainthearted
Fearful and Fainthearted
Devarim 20:8
8 And the officers (shoter) shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.
This is different than what was being expressed in Devarim 20:1.
1 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, a people more than thou, be not afraid of them. For Yehovah your Redeemer with you, which brought you up out of the land of Mitzrayim.
In Devarim 20:1 these are individuals qualified for battle that fear the opponent before them. Those in Devarim 20:8 are those that are fearful of going to battle. This second group of people should have never left home.
It is not a shame to be fainthearted. Not all are qualified for war. Especially those not prepared for what can happen. These will only slow down those that are making the march forward.
Additionally, one’s fear can be contagious and spread through out the forces. This could have devastating results.
Similarly, not all are ready or willing to go forth and deal with the battle in the Spirit. It is usually a confrontation with another human being. Many shy from confrontation. Those who are not qualified for the task, who engage in spiritual battle do not realize how quickly it can turn against a person. Many are not prepared for this and fear will overtake them to the point where they are paralyzed.
Warfare will occur when one is taking steps to become a First Century Congregation. There are forces that will always take steps to limit the move of the Spirit in a congregation. If one is not prepared to identify and remove these, it will hinder a congregation’s growth.
Devarim 20:9
9 And it shall be, when the officers (shoter) have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall make princes (sar) of the armies to lead the people.
Once the individuals have been identified that are capable for battle, the princes will go forth.
For this to work in a congregation, these people need to be identified, and plans should be established to deal with offenders. If not, the overall spirit of the congregation can be hindered. Leaders are responsible for preparing the soldiers for what can happen. They must continue to learn from situations and take actions to improve the overall condition of the leadership organization.
Answer is Peace
Answer is Peace
Devarim 20:10
10 When you come nigh to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
Initially, when the army arrives it should seek a peaceful solution. The same should be true for a believer. We should approach a situation with Matityahu 10:16.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
When we first meet people, we should be harmless as doves. We should continue to be harmless even when they may attack us. However, we must also be wise in our approach.
People who we meet for the first time may not always be who they claim to be. As a matter of fact, they may not even know who they are. This is due to the fact that many are more emotional than they realize. We need to come forward in peace unless conditions warrant another approach.
Devarim 20:11
11 And it shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, all the people found therein shall be tributaries to you, and they shall serve you.
Tributaries comes from the Hebrew word מַס mas (H4522). It is in the Bible 23 times. מַס mas (H4522) is translated tribute 12 times, tributary 5 times, levy 4 times, discomfited 1 time and taskmasters 1 time. It refers to a burden as causing to faint. Possibly a tax in the form of forced labor.
Those that answered with peace were to serve the Children of Yisrael.
As for today, when one comes into our midst, we are not to force them into labor. We should be alleviating their labor. We are looking for them to be a part of the congregation and a member of the local body of believers. We should recognize these differences and welcome them with open arms.
What is actually being foreshadowed here is the Millennium. During that time, nonbelievers will serve Yisrael. Eventually, as they are treated properly and they will see the wisdom of Devarim 4:4-8.
4 But you that did cleave to Yehovah your Redeemer alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as Yehovah my Redeemer commanded me, that you should do so in the land whither you go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do; for this your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the people (am), which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation (goyim) a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation (goyim) great, who Redeemer nigh to them, as Yehovah our Redeemer in all we call upon Him? 8 And what nation (goy) great, that has statutes and judgments righteous as all this Torah, which I set before you this day?
In the Millennium when these learn of Yehovah, they will transition from being a foreigner of the truth to desiring to become a proselyte. Towards the end of the Millenium, they will make the journey to Yerushalayim to dedicate their lives to Yehovah. This will be supervised by the Bride of Messiah who rule and reign over them.
Answer is War
Answer is War
Devarim 20:12
12 And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it.
If the answer is war, Yisrael is to besiege them. These have made a stand against Yisrael.
In the Millennium, there will be a divisions between those in power who want war and those for whom there is hope.
Devarim 20:13
13 And when Yehovah your Redeemer has delivered it into your hands, you shall smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword.
When a city wants war, all the males are to die by the edge of the sword.
During the Millennium, the edge of sword is judgment by the Word, Torah. It will determine if they are a sheep or a goat. If they are a goat, they will not survive the Millennium.
If they are judged otherwise, they will serve Yisrael. In time if they prove to be a sheep, they will make a transition to ones that clinged to peace. Possibly they too would make the journey to Yerushalayim.
Devarim 20:14
14 But the women, and the little ones, and the animals (behema), and all that is in the city, all the spoil thereof, shall you take to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which Yehovah your God has given you.
Within the city that goes to battle, there are still the women and children. They are subjected to the decisions of the men, the cities elders. The women, children and cattle become the plunder of the warriors. These go to the men who were in battle. There is a likelihood that the plunder would be split as in Bemidbar 31:27.
27 And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation.
However, there is no mention of this in Devarim. Daviyd did a similar thing in 1 Shemuel 30:20-25.
20 And Daviyd took all the flocks (tzon) and the herds (baqar), they drove before those livestock (miqneh), and said, This Daviyd’s spoil. 21 And Daviyd came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow Daviyd, whom they had made also to abide at the river (nachal) Besor. And they went forth to meet Daviyd, and to meet the people that with him. And when Daviyd came near to the people, he saluted them. 22 Then answered all the evil (ra) men and of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead, and depart. 23 Then said Daviyd, You shall not do so, my brethren, with that which Yehovah has given us, who has preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. 24 For who will hearken to you in this matter? But as his part that goes down to the battle, so his part that tarries by the stuff. They shall part alike. 25 And it was from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Yisrael to this day.
In Bemidbar 31 and from Daviyd’s day forward, the plunder was allocated to those in the battle and those that were in the rear.
Something that is different in Bemidbar 31 is Bemidbar 31:17-18.
17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that has known man by lying with him. 18 But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
Moshe tells the men to kill all males regardless of age and all women who have known a man. This will leave alive only the virgin women. However, in Devarim 20, this distinction is not made. In Devarim 20, far more are kept alive.
This may be a shadow for the days we are living in and the Millenium. Possibly the man represents those that carry the mark of the beast and the women, children and animals are undecided.
Devarim 20:15
15 Thus shall you do to all the cities very far off from you, which not of the cities of these nations.
This was done for the lands that were outside the Kingdom. Within the lands that were eventually to be part of the Kingdom, it was different.
Sanctification to Yehovah
Sanctification to Yehovah
Devarim 20:16
16 But of the cities of these people, which Yehovah your Redeemer does give you an inheritance, you shall save alive (chayah) nothing that breathe (neshamah).
Breathe is the Hebrew word נְשָׁמָה neshamah (H5397). It is in the Bible 24 times. נְשָׁמָה neshamah (H5397) is translated breath 17 times, blast 3 times, spirit 2 times, inspiration 1 time and souls 1 time. It is first used in Bereishis 2:7.
7 And Yehovah Redeemer formed man (adam) the dust (aphar) of the earth (adamah), and breathed (naphach) into his nostrils (af) the breath (neshamah) of life; and man (adam) became a living soul (nephesh).
נְשָׁמָה neshamah (H5397) is something that only humans have. It is what makes us uniquely different from all other living creatures. When it states “save alive (chayah) nothing that breathe (neshamah)”, it means all human life was destroyed. Livestock and other animals were left alive.
Devarim 20:17
17 But you shall utterly destroy them; the Chitti, and the Emori, the Kenaani, and the Perizzi, the Chivvi, and the Yevusi; as Yehovah your Redeemer has commanded you.
Moshe speaks of only 6 tribes. The number of tribes that are listed and the order of the names vary within Scriptures. Similar listings are found in Yehoshua 9:1-2.
1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which on this side Yarden, in the mountains (har), and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Levanon, the Chitti, and the Emori, the Kenaani, the Perizzi, the Chivvi, and the Yevusi, heard; 2 that they gathered themselves together, to fight with Yehoshua and with Yisrael, with one accord.
And in Yehoshua 12:7-8.
7 And these the kings of the country which Yehoshua and the Children of Yisrael smote on this side Yarden on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Levanon even to the Mount Chalak, that goes up to Seiyr; which Yehoshua gave to the tribes of Yisrael a possession according to their divisions; 8 in the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Chitti, the Emori, and the Kenaani, the Perizzi, the Chivvi, and the Yevusi.
It is unclear why these lists are different than other places in Scriptures.
Devarim 20:18
18 That they teach (lamad) you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their redeemers; so should you sin against Yehovah your Redeemer.
It is very clear why the land had to be completely emptied of all the former inhabitants. If the former inhabitants remained, the likelihood of mixing worship would occur. The faith towards Yehovah was in the early stages of development. The Nation of Yisrael needed time to establish the faith of Yehovah without foreign influences. The Children of Yisrael were to sanctify their lives to Yehovah. This is the very definition of holiness.
Unfortunately, the Children of Yisrael were unsuccessful in completely clearing the land. Why this occurred is not as important as the fact that it occurred. Subsequent generations failed to finish what was started. As a result mixing did occur.
Today, we have a similar problem occurring on a much broader scale. What occurs in most houses of worship is far from what Yeshua taught the disciples. That is why our first calling is Revelation 18:4.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.
This is the call to leave Bavel behind. To throw off the shackles of false worship and return to the First Century worship of Yeshua. As we are leaving Bavel behind, we need to answer the call of Nachum 1:15.
15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of Him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace. Yehudah, keep your solemn feasts, perform your vows. For belial shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
Anything less than this would be devastating for our families and the ones we love. If we do not answer these callings, there are consequences in the immediate and in the future.
Then we should do as Paul did in Philippians 3:13-17.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. But one thing, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded. And if in any thing be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example.
Anything less than this is mediocrity. You may not understand why you should press forward, but those you love deserve the best from you.
This is what we need to do, and we need to find others of the same pursuit. We need to find a congregation that is likeminded. This is the real excitement in life that so many are missing. It is the most fulfilling thing we can do in this lifetime.
Trees of the Field
Trees of the Field
Devarim 20:19-20
19 When you shall besiege (tzur) a city a long (rav) time (yom), in making war (lacham) against it to take it, you shall not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them. For you may eat of them, and you shall not cut them down for the tree of the field man’s to employ in the siege (matzor). 20 Only the trees which you know that they not trees for meat, you shall destroy and cut them down; and you shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it be subdued.
This passage divides the trees into two basic categories. Those that bear fruit and those that do not. Trees represent a mature individual. Those with fruit are believers that move in the Spirit. Trees without fruit are those that have matured in a faith other than Yehovah’s.
Trees that bear fruit are for nourishments. The other tress are to be cut down.
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