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.
10. You will march up to attack a city. First, make them an offer of peace.
11. They might accept your offer and open their gates to you. If that happens, all the people of that city will become your slaves. They will work for you.
12. But they might not make peace with you. They might fight you in battle. Then you should surround that city.
13. The Lord your God will give you the city. Then kill all the men with your swords.