5. “Then the officers of the army must address the troops and say, ‘Has anyone here just built a new house but not yet dedicated it? If so, you may go home! You might be killed in the battle, and someone else would dedicate your house.
6. Has anyone here just planted a vineyard but not yet eaten any of its fruit? If so, you may go home! You might die in battle, and someone else would eat the first fruit.
7. Has anyone here just become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? Well, you may go home and get married! You might die in the battle, and someone else would marry her.’
8. “Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’
9. When the officers have finished speaking to their troops, they will appoint the unit commanders.
10. “As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11. If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12. But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.
13. When the lord your God hands the town over to you, use your swords to kill every man in the town.