And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
The verse belongs to the laws Moses recalled for Israel just before crossing the Jordan into the promised land. Deuteronomy rehearses what God had done for Israel and recalls laws given during the wilderness years, urging remembrance of those lessons and obedience to God's law. The verse gives God's direction for the moment of coming near to battle, when the priest was to approach and speak to the people.
In its context, the Lord promised to fight Israel's battles in the campaign against the inhabitants of Canaan if Israel would be faithful to Him. Jericho was the first fruits of that campaign, devoted to God by special order, with Israel to show faith in God, recognize dependence on Him for success, and honor His first claim on all that was acquired. Cowardice in front of the enemy was not to be tolerated because it spreads to others, so those who were fearful and faint-hearted were to go back home lest their brethren lose courage, since a few courageous men are always more effective than many cowards. The same holds true when going to battle in the Lord's cause.
The verse belongs to the laws Moses recalled for Israel just before crossing the Jordan into the promised land. Deuteronomy rehearses what God had done for Israel and recalls laws given during the wilderness years, urging remembrance of those lessons and obedience to God's law. The verse gives God's direction for the moment of coming near to battle, when the priest was to approach and speak to the people.
In its context, the Lord promised to fight Israel's battles in the campaign against the inhabitants of Canaan if Israel would be faithful to Him. Jericho was the first fruits of that campaign, devoted to God by special order, with Israel to show faith in God, recognize dependence on Him for success, and honor His first claim on all that was acquired. Cowardice in front of the enemy was not to be tolerated because it spreads to others, so those who were fearful and faint-hearted were to go back home lest their brethren lose courage, since a few courageous men are always more effective than many cowards. The same holds true when going to battle in the Lord's cause.