1. When you go to war against your enemies, you may see horses, chariots, and armies larger than yours. Don’t be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you.
2. Before the battle starts, a priest must come and speak to the troops.
3. He should tell them, “Listen, Israel, today you’re going into battle against your enemies. Don’t lose your courage! Don’t be afraid or alarmed or tremble because of them.
4. The Lord your God is going with you. He will fight for you against your enemies and give you victory.”
5. The officers should tell the troops, “If you have built a new house but not dedicated it, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will dedicate it.
6. If you have planted a vineyard and not enjoyed the grapes, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will enjoy the grapes.
7. If you are engaged to a woman but have not married her, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will marry her.”
8. The officers should also tell the troops, “If you are afraid or have lost your courage, you may go home. Then you won’t ruin the morale of the other Israelites.”
9. When the officers finish speaking to the troops, they should appoint commanders to lead them.
10. When you approach a city to attack it, offer its people a peaceful way to surrender.
11. If they accept it and open ⌊their gates⌋ to you, then all the people there will be made to do forced labor and serve you.
12. If they won’t accept your offer of peace but declare war on you, set up a blockade around the city.
13. When the Lord your God hands the city over to you, kill every man in that city with your swords.