1. When you go out to war against your enemies and you see horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord, your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, will be with you.
2. When you are drawing near to battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the army,
3. and say to them, “Hear, O Israel! Today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies. Do not be weakhearted or afraid, alarmed or frightened by them.
4. For it is the Lord, your God, who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies and give you victory.”
5. Then the officials shall speak to the army: “Is there anyone who has built a new house and not yet dedicated it? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another dedicate it.
6. Is there anyone who has planted a vineyard and not yet plucked its fruit? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another pluck its fruit.
7. Is there anyone who has betrothed a woman and not yet married her? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another marry her.”
8. The officials shall continue to speak to the army: “Is there anyone who is afraid and weakhearted? Let him return home, or else he might make the hearts of his fellows melt as his does.”
9. When the officials have finished speaking to the army, military commanders shall be appointed over them.