Deuteronomy 20

Chapter Summary

Deuteronomy 20 outlines the protocols for the Israelites when engaging in warfare, including the role of the priests in encouraging the troops and the rules for siege and conquest. The chapter begins with the reminder that when the Israelites go to war, they should not be afraid because God is with them (Deuteronomy 20:1). The priests are to encourage the soldiers, reminding them of God's power and presence (Deuteronomy 20:2-4). The chapter also discusses the rules for exempting certain individuals from military service, including those who have recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or are betrothed (Deuteronomy 20:5-7). Additionally, it outlines the procedures for offering peace terms to enemy cities and the rules for besieging and conquering cities (Deuteronomy 20:10-18). The chapter concludes with a discussion on the treatment of the inhabitants of the conquered cities, emphasizing the importance of utterly destroying the nations that God has given to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy chapter 20 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons given by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The chapter is situated in the midst of Moses' instructions to the Israelites on how to live as God's people, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's power and presence. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate victory of God over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives by trusting in God's power and presence in the midst of challenge and adversity. We can also learn from the importance of spiritual leadership and the need to uphold God's laws and principles, even in difficult circumstances. By trusting in Christ and following His teachings, we can experience victory over sin and death, and live as faithful witnesses to God's power and presence in the world.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the rules for warfare in ancient Israel, but it also teaches us about trust and faith in God. The Israelites were reminded that God is with them and will give them victory over their enemies, just like Jesus gives us victory over sin and death. We can apply this to our lives by trusting in God's power and presence, and following His teachings.

Voices from the Church

“The Christian life is a battle, and we must be prepared to fight. But we do not fight in our own strength, for we are weak and feeble. We fight in the strength of the Lord, and it is He who gives us the victory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Lord is our strength and our salvation. He is the one who fights for us and gives us the victory. We must trust in Him and not in our own abilities or strength.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Warfare (Deuteronomy 20:1-4) — The chapter begins with a reminder that God is with the Israelites and will give them victory over their enemies. The priests are to encourage the soldiers, reminding them of God's power and presence.
2. Exemptions from Military Service (Deuteronomy 20:5-9) — The chapter discusses the rules for exempting certain individuals from military service, including those who have recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or are betrothed.
3. Rules for Siege and Conquest (Deuteronomy 20:10-18) — The chapter outlines the procedures for offering peace terms to enemy cities and the rules for besieging and conquering cities. The Israelites are reminded to treat their enemies with dignity and respect, while still upholding God's laws and principles.
4. Treatment of Conquered Cities (Deuteronomy 20:16-18) — The chapter concludes with a discussion on the treatment of the inhabitants of the conquered cities, emphasizing the importance of utterly destroying the nations that God has given to the Israelites.
5. Conclusion (Deuteronomy 20:19-20) — The chapter ends with a reminder to the Israelites to trust in God's power and presence, and to follow His teachings in all aspects of life.

Core Doctrines

Just War Theory

This chapter teaches the importance of treating enemies with dignity and respect, while still upholding God's laws and principles. It highlights the need for believers to trust in God's power and presence, rather than their own strength or abilities, in the midst of conflict and challenge.

Spiritual Warfare

The chapter points to the spiritual warfare that believers face today, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ and following His teachings in order to experience victory over sin and death.

Faith and Trust

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and presence. The Israelites are reminded that God is with them and will give them victory over their enemies, highlighting the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

God's Sovereignty

The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of conflict and challenge. It reminds believers that God is in control and that He will give them victory over their enemies.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 20

1. Trust in God's Power and Presence — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's power and presence, even in the midst of conflict and challenge. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
2. Uphold God's Laws and Principles — The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding God's laws and principles, even in difficult circumstances. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by following God's teachings and trusting in His power and presence.
3. Spiritual Warfare — The chapter points to the spiritual warfare that believers face today, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in Christ and following His teachings.
4. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and presence. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and following His teachings.
5. Encourage and Support Others — The chapter teaches the importance of encouraging and supporting others in their spiritual journeys, particularly in times of conflict and challenge. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by supporting and encouraging others, and trusting in God's power and presence to give them victory over their enemies.

Themes from Deuteronomy 20

1. Warfare and Triumph — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's power and presence in the midst of conflict and challenge. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
2. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and presence. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and following His teachings.
3. Spiritual Leadership — The chapter teaches the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for believers to trust in God's power and presence. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by following God's teachings and trusting in His power and presence.
4. God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of conflict and challenge. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in God's power and presence, and following His teachings.
5. Victory over Sin and Death — The chapter points to the ultimate victory of God over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers can apply this principle to their own lives by trusting in Christ and following His teachings.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and presence in my life, even in the midst of challenge and adversity?
2. How can I apply the principles of this chapter to my own life, particularly in terms of spiritual warfare and trust in God's sovereignty?
3. What are some ways that I can uphold God's laws and principles, even in difficult circumstances?
4. How can I trust in Christ and follow His teachings in order to experience victory over sin and death?
5. What are some ways that I can encourage and support others in their spiritual journeys, particularly in times of conflict and challenge?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Deuteronomy 20

	Sermon	Description
	Fear of Man by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have unfinished business in their lives. He mentions those who have built houses but haven't dedicated
	Are the Giants Really Necessary by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the necessity of facing and overcoming the giants in our lives, symbolizing the obstacles, fears, and opposition that stand in the way of our God-given promi
	Through the Bible - Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Deuteronomy and its three main themes: looking back at God's faithfulness, looking upwards at God's laws, and looking forward to G
	(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas
	An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill	This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif
	Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward	This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and
	Anything Too Hard for God by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in his sermon 'Anything Too Hard for God,' addressing the discouragement that often plagues believers when faced with over
	Fear Not by Warren Wiersbe	Warren Wiersbe delivers a sermon on overcoming fear by emphasizing the detrimental effects of fear, such as paralysis and discouragement. He draws parallels from President Franklin
	Care for God's Fruit-Trees by Harry Ironside	Harry Ironside emphasizes the importance of caring for God's 'fruit-trees,' which symbolize His servants, while being vigilant against false teachings and harmful influences. He dr
	The Battle Is Not Yours by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the battle belongs to God, urging believers to relinquish their fears and responsibilities to Him. He reassures that as God's representatives, we can t

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 20

In this chapter, we see the rules and regulations for warfare in Israel, which are designed to promote the glory of God and the good of His people. The priests are to encourage the soldiers, reminding them of God's power and presence, and the people are to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. The chapter also teaches the importance of treating enemies with dignity and respect, while still upholding God's laws and principles. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is the strength of His people, and He will save them from the hand of their enemies.' This chapter points to the ultimate victory of God over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ, and reminds believers to trust in God's power and presence, even in the midst of conflict and challenge. By following God's teachings and trusting in His power and presence, believers can experience victory over their enemies and live as faithful witnesses to God's power and presence in the world. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?