Deuteronomy 20:1

“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, etc.] There were two sorts of war the Israelites were engaged in, one commanded and another permitted, as Maimonides f236 distinguishes; one was by the order and appointment of God, as against the seven nations of Canaan; the other was voluntary and arbitrary, which was left to their own discretion and will, as they saw fit, when they were provoked or distressed, or were invaded by their enemies, or they saw reason to go out against them, and either act the offensive or defensive part, or both; and of each of these some things are said in this chapter: and seest horses and chariots, and a people more than thou; the Israelites had no…”

“THE PRIESTS' EXHORTATION TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE TO BATTLE. (Deu. 20:1-20) When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies--In the approaching invasion of Canaan, or in any just and defensive war, the Israelites had reason to expect the presence and favor of God.”

“Horses, and chariots - The most formidable elements of an Oriental host, which the Canaanites possessed in great numbers; compare Joshua 17:16; Jdg 4:3; 1 Samuel 13:5. Israel could not match these with corresponding forces (compare Deuteronomy 17:16 note and references), but, having the God of battles on its side, was not to be dismayed by them; the assumption being that the war had the sanction of God, and was consequently just. return to 'Top of Page'”

“goest out: Deu 3:21, Deu 3:22, Deu 7:1 horses: Jos 10:5-8, Jos 11:4-6, Jos 11:9; Jdg 4:3-9; Ch2 14:11, Ch2 20:12; Psa 20:7; Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17; Isa 31:1, Isa 37:24, Isa 37:25 the Lord: Deu 2:7, Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8; Gen 26:3; Num 23:21; Jos 1:5, Jos 1:9; Jdg 6:12; Ch2 32:7, Ch2 32:8; Psa 46:7, Psa 46:11, Psa 118:6; Isa 7:14, Isa 8:9, Isa 8:10, Isa 43:2; Rom 8:31 Deuteronomy 20:2”

“Instructions Relating to Military Service. - If the Israelites went out to battle against their foes, and saw horses and chariots, a people more numerous than they were, they were not to be afraid, because Jehovah their God was with them. Horses and chariots constituted the principal strength of the enemies round about Israel; not of the Egyptians only ( Exo 14:7), and of the Canaanites and Philistines ( Jos 17:16; Jdg 4:3; Sa1 13:5), but of the Syrians also ( Sa2 8:4; Ch1 18:4; Ch1 19:18; cf. Psa 20:8). Deu 20:2-4 If they were thus drawing near to war, i.e., arranging themselves for war for the purpose of being mustered and marching in order into the battle (not just as the battle was…”