Deuteronomy 20

In today’s reading, Moses instructs the Israelites on how they are to engage in battle against their mighty enemies. As he does, he calms their fears by reminding them that “the LORD your God is with you” (v. 1). There are three main takeaways I would encourage you to focus on as you read:

·       First, notice that the priest was responsible for speaking to the people before they engaged in warfare, encouraging them with the following exhortation: “Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory” (vv. 3-4). For those whom God has called to be spiritual leaders (e.g., pastors, husbands, fathers), we must remind our flocks daily not to grow weary during the battles, as God is with them to give them victory against any foe they encounter. Speaking of promised victory, our Lord and Savior has already triumphed over death and Satan, which means no matter what happens to us in this fallen world, those in Christ Jesus have already won! 

·       Here and now, followers of Jesus may not fight against physical enemy combatants in an effort to claim a specific piece of land, but we are still very much in a battle. Paul, in the book of Ephesians, puts it this way: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10-13; emphasis added). To be sure, our daily struggles are no longer against our fellow man, but against a common enemy who would love to devour us. Praise be to God, though, as He has provided the spiritual weapons needed for victory. However, it is our responsibility to intentionally take up that equipment so that we may withstand the devil’s attacks. Are you dressed for battle? 

·       Finally, notice how God commands His people to offer peace to those whose cities they are set to fight against, and to those who respond favorably, they would be servants to the nation of Israel (vv. 10-11). These verses identify God’s intent for peace to triumph over discord, but I believe they also provide us with a deeper spiritual application. Specifically, “the conquered nations would receive the highest blessings from alliance with the chosen people; they would be brought to the knowledge of Israel’s God and of Israel’s worship, as well as a participation of Israel’s privileges.”[i] Doesn’t that sound a lot like what happens when a Gentile receives the offer of reconciliation from the Lord Jesus? That person is now adopted into the family of God to receive the highest blessings of knowing and worshipping the Maker of heaven and earth, with a guaranteed inheritance that nothing in this world can compare to. As you ponder this reality, I pray your heart will be grateful to the Prince of peace. 

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Spiritual leaders, how can you remind your sphere of influence daily that God is with them in their battles? 

·       Are you equipped with the proper armor to withstand the schemes of the enemy? 

[i] Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown commentary on Deuteronomy 20. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Deu/Deu_020.cfm