Study notes

Deuteronomy 20

Introducing DeuteronomyWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

19:1–26:19 Section

The Mount Sinai covenant included many rules about community life among the Israelites. There were rules about crimes, being married, families, business and war. Many of these rules were like the rules that the people groups around the Israelites followed. They showed the practices that were common in that time.

God also gave his people other rules that were different from practices that were common. These rules showed how God’s people were to be holy and set apart for him.

The Israelites had to take care of one another. They weren’t to take advantage of anyone. Instead, they had to always do what was right and fair. This showed that they remembered how God had rescued them from being slaves. It showed that they trusted him to provide everything they needed.

These rules made it clear that each person was responsible to God. They were responsible for what they thought, said and did. And all together as a community they were responsible to God. This allowed them to enjoy all the good things God gave them. Being God’s people made the Israelites a special treasure for God among all people groups.

20:4

to fight for you: This promise shows that God starts wars, carries them out, and brings them to victory against his enemies.

The purpose of these wars was to remove enemies who refused to turn from evil and to protect his people from being corrupted (see 1:30).

20:7

another man marry her: In this situation, if a man died, he would not have children to carry on his name. Ancient Israel considered this to be a great tragedy.

20:10–15

The people living in the land of Canaan had already been placed under the ban (7:1–6). This means they were set apart for complete destruction as part of God’s judgment.

So this command refers to other nations. It applies to people whom Israel would fight outside the land (20:15).

20:11

forced laborers: These were people who had to work against their will. This kind of labor was often required of prisoners of war. At times, even some Israelites were made to do this work (1 Kings 5:13–18; 9:15, 21; 12:18).

20:15

cities that are far away: These were outside the borders of the promised land.

20:19

You must not cut them down: In war, armies often cut down trees. They do this so their enemies cannot use the trees for food or wood.

However, this situation was different. The Israelites were not simply attacking and leaving. They were going to live in that land.

Because they would settle there, the trees would be useful to them. The trees could provide food, shade, and building materials in the future.

20:20

This equipment consisted of the materials built up against a city wall as part of the effort to bring it under siege.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources