Deuteronomy 20:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 20:7
7 And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 20 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, truth, judgment. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 20:7
7 And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Analysis
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? (מִי־הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־אֵרַשׂ אִשָּׁה)—The fourth exemption involves aras (betrothed)—legally bound but not yet consummated in marriage. The betrothal period could last a year, during which the couple were legally married but living separately. To die in battle before the wedding night would leave the woman in legal limbo and deny the man his anticipated joy.
This law appears verbatim in the curse of Deuteronomy 28:30: "Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her." What God graciously exempts in chapter 20, He threatens as covenant curse in chapter 28—underscoring that these aren't arbitrary rules but expressions of God's desire for His people's flourishing.
Historical Context
Betrothal in ancient Israel was legally binding—breaking it required divorce (as with Mary and Joseph, Matthew 1:18-19). These exemptions show God's law regulated warfare humanely, unlike surrounding nations that conscripted without regard for personal circumstances. Gideon later applied this principle by reducing his army from 32,000 to 300 (Judges 7:2-7).
Reflection
- How does God's concern for completing life transitions before taking on spiritual battles inform your sense of calling and timing?
- In what ways might God be calling you to "reduce your army" by releasing those not fully committed rather than pressuring reluctant service?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 24:5, 28:30