1. When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
2. It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
3. and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them;
4. for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
5. The officers shall speak to the people, saying, “What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
6. What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit.
7. What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”
8. The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, “What man is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart melt as his heart.”
9. It shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of the people.
10. When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
11. It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you.
12. If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it.
13. When Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword;