When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
DEUTERONOMY 20:1KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 20:1 mean?
Deuteronomy 20:1 tells the Israelites not to be afraid when they go out to battle and see that their enemies have more horses, chariots, and people, because the LORD their God is with them—the same God who brought them out of Egypt. The verse is a reassurance that God’s presence is greater than any military disadvantage.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The situation is one of potential fear, since the Israelites may face armies that look much stronger than they are. The verse reminds them of God’s past deliverance from Egypt, encouraging them to trust in God’s power rather than being intimidated by what they see.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:1
- "Afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to fear or be terrified. Here, it is a command not to let fear control them, even when the enemy seems overwhelming.
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, reminding the Israelites that it is their covenant God who is with them, not a distant or unknown deity.
- "Up" (עָלָה, ‘alah): This word is used for God bringing the Israelites "up" out of Egypt, which often carries the sense of deliverance and elevation from oppression.
Why Deuteronomy 20:1 matters
- Deuteronomy 20:1 clarifies that courage is not based on military strength but on remembering God’s faithfulness and presence.
- The verse connects the Israelites’ current situation to their history, showing that the same God who saved them before will continue to do so.
- This reassurance sets the tone for the laws and instructions about warfare that follow in the chapter, emphasizing trust in God over fear of outward circumstances.