Deuteronomy 20 is an easily overlooked chapter—at first glance, it offers instructions for warfare. Yet beneath these instructions lies deeply spiritual insight about how to face our life’s battles by leaning fully on the Lord. As mature Christians, we recognize that the battles we face today, though not physical invasions, still require the same reliance on God’s strength, trust in His goodness, and obedience to His ways.
“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God… will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1, New International Version)
Israelites often faced armies better-equipped with horses, chariots, and weapons made of iron. Archaeologically, we know various Canaanite and Philistine cities had powerful chariot corps with fortified cities (e.g., excavations at Megiddo and Hazor confirm superior military resources). Israel, especially early on, lacked similar weapons. Yet their real strength came from the assurance of God’s presence.
This theme—trusting God’s strength over human might—is carried throughout Scripture. Psalm 20:7 rightly declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (New International Version). Likewise, Paul reminds us Christians to stand “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10, New International Version).
How often are we paralyzed by fear when faced with problems far beyond our ability and resources? God’s promise is His abiding presence, stronger than our weakness or inadequacy. Our battles—spiritual, emotional, personal—require reliance first and foremost on the One who accompanies us always.
Interestingly, verses five through eight give unexpected reasons for exclusion from Israel’s army. Building a home, planting a vineyard, being betrothed—these everyday milestones exempted one from warfare. Another unusual exemption was for those simply afraid.
In ancient Near-Eastern cultures, military courage was crucial—but here, God purposefully reduces the army size. Why would this be encouraged? It speaks both of compassion towards the soldier and God’s ultimate desire to reveal Himself as Israel’s true champion. Think again about Gideon’s army: whittled down from thousands to merely 300 in Judges 7, explicitly “so that Israel may not boast against me” (Judges 7:2, New International Version).
There’s wisdom here about courage: spiritual courage originates from total dependence upon God, not mere human bravado. Fear often spreads easily—negativity and hopelessness contaminate a group’s morale quickly. To face life’s spiritual battlefields, courage rooted in love and trust of God is crucial. Remember Paul’s insight: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, New King James Version).
Contrary to typical understandings of warfare, verses 10–15 instruct offering peace terms first before conflict. Though often misunderstood or overlooked by modern readers, this practice underscores mercy, patience, and the profound desire for reconciliation before judgment.
Western readers frequently miss this compassionate aspect of warfare in the ancient context. Offering peace first was uncommon among surrounding civilizations. By requiring Israel to offer peace whenever possible, God reminded His people of His heart—the same heart that Christ would later reveal more fully (“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Matthew 5:9).
Christians often struggle with the tension of righteous judgment versus patient mercy. Yet, as Augustine of Hippo (4th-century theologian) wisely noted, the Old Testament portrays the same God of justice and mercy revealed perfectly in Christ. Consider today areas of your life require you to offer peace instead of strife, patience instead of judgment.
Finally, an overlooked but beautiful encouragement appears regarding trees during a siege. Fruit-bearing trees are explicitly protected as sources of sustenance and future blessing (verses 19–20). The underlying principle, easy to overlook, is stewardship of resources even amidst conflict.
Interestingly, archaeologists have observed in ancient layer excavations evidence that invading armies commonly devastated agriculture, starving populations into submission. Yet here, Israel is commanded to resist destructive impulses. God’s people were not to engage in needless destruction. Instead, stewardship, foresight, care toward creation reflect both practical wisdom and respect for life-giving resources provided by God (Genesis 1:28).
In our modern Christian walk, as stewards of finances, God-given talents, our environment, we must likewise balance our battles and struggles with careful responsibility. Maintaining integrity and stewardship even during stressful situations highlights God’s character in our lives.
A key Hebrew idea indirectly emerging from this chapter is “Shalom” (שָׁלוֹם)—peace, wholeness, completeness. Although the actual term appears only implicitly, its essence pervades these warfare commands: first seeking peace, caring for soldiers’ well-being, stewarding resources, and relying on divine strength to maintain spiritual wholeness.
Today, let us consciously rely on God’s mighty presence, courageously step forth with faithful hearts, strive always to pursue peace, and steward carefully what God has put in our care.
An appropriate hymn that beautifully captures God’s protective companionship is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” written by Martin Luther.
Lord Almighty,
Teach us daily reliance upon Your strength. Let us not trust our limited
powers but be guided by Your limitless power. Grant us courageous,
peaceable hearts—not governed by fear or anger, but led gently by Your
Spirit. Give us wisdom to steward rightly our resources, relationships,
and opportunities, always exhibiting Your peace—the shalom that makes us
whole.
Through Christ, our Lord and Guardian. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on Deuteronomy Chapter 20