Laws for war fill this chapter and were necessary as the people of Israel were about to begin the conquest of the Promised Land. The people’s hope was not to be in themselves but in the Lord (v1-4). Self-reliance is a dangerous thing always for any believer.

The people are tested and many would be allowed to return home (v5-9). The key thing here is that the Lord wants an army that is focused and dedicated. The half hearted in the Lord’s work can really hinder.

There were to be differences made between the cities further away (v10-15) and the cities that were nearer (v16-18). The difference was because the nearer cities of Canaan were to be destroyed as part of God’s judgment because their evil had reached such a height. This should remind us of the importance of fearing sin, God never treats it lightly. The cities outside of Canaan would be offered the opportunity of peace (v10-15). How the people responded to God’s people spoke of how they were responding to God.

The chapter concludes with a law to protect fruit-bearing trees (v19-20). In battle care must be given so that the future is not harmed.