The eighth commandment

Deuteronomy 20.1-9

“‘When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, “Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.” And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, “Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.” And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people.’”

Here again a situation involving war is in view, and criteria are advanced for the preservation of the people and the nation. If this was a just war, one entered into for the sake of protecting and preserving the divine economy, the people should not fear, but should trust in the Lord to give them the victory. Even military activity in ancient Israel was subject to divine scrutiny and the terms of neighbor-love outlined in the Law of God.

Conditions for exemption from military service are explained, and again we see the Law’s intent of preserving families, property, and communities. Moreover, those who were fearful should also be excused from combat, since they might cause others to stumble. Certainly a measure of shame and stigma would be attached to this, since it would be evidence of a heart that did not trust in God.

Armies are to be like tightly organized, efficient communities, with proper leaders and protocols to maintain justice and order throughout the ranks (cf. Ex. 18).

This series of In the Gates we present a detailed explanation of the Law of God, beginning with the Ten Commandments, and working through the statutes and rules that accompany each commandment. For a practical guide to the role of God’s Law in the practice of ethics, get The Ground for Christian Ethics by going to www.ailbe.org and click on our Book Store.