1. When you go to war against your enemies, you might see horses and chariots. Their army might be bigger than yours. But don’t be afraid of them. The Lord your God will be with you. He brought you out of Egypt.
2. The priest must come and speak to the army before you go into battle.
3. He should say, “Listen, Israel! Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Don’t lose your courage or be afraid. Don’t panic or be frightened.
4. The Lord your God goes with you. He will fight for you against your enemies. And he will save you.”
5. The officers should say to the army, “Has anyone built a new house but not given it to God? He may go home. He might die in battle. Then someone else would get to give his house to God.
6. Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? He may go home. He might die in battle. Then someone else would enjoy his vineyard.
7. Is any man engaged to a woman and not yet married to her? He may go home. He might die in battle. Then someone else would marry her.”
8. Then the officers should also say, “Is anyone here afraid? Has anyone lost his courage? He may go home. Then he will not cause others to lose their courage, too.”
9. When the officers finish speaking to the army, they should appoint commanders to lead it.