share torah logo

Deuteronomy 20:7 - Newlywed's battlefield exemption?

Deuteronomy 20:7 - דברים 20:7

Hebrew Text

וּמִי־הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־אֵרַשׂ אִשָּׁה וְלֹא לְקָחָהּ יֵלֵךְ וְיָשֹׁב לְבֵיתוֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת בַּמִּלְחָמָה וְאִישׁ אַחֵר יִקָּחֶנָּה׃

English Translation

And what man is there that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Transliteration

Umi-ha'ish asher-eras isha velo lekacha yelech veyashov leveto pen-yamut bamilchama ve'ish acher yikachena

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־אֵרַ֤שׂ אִשָּׁה֙ וְלֹ֣א לְקָחָ֔הּ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת֙ בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יִקָּחֶֽנָּה׃
וּמִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־אֵרַ֤שׂ אִשָּׁה֙ וְלֹ֣א לְקָחָ֔הּ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת֙ בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יִקָּחֶֽנָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 20:7, as part of the Torah's laws concerning warfare. It is one of four categories of men exempted from military service by a kohen mashuach milchamah (priest anointed for war) before battle. The other exemptions include those who have built a new house, planted a vineyard, or are fearful (Devarim 20:5-8).

Explanation of the Verse

The verse addresses a man who has betrothed a woman (אֵרַשׂ אִשָּׁה) but has not yet completed the marriage by bringing her into his home (nissu'in). The Torah commands that such a man must return home rather than go to war, lest he die in battle and another man marry her. Rashi (Devarim 20:7) explains that this exemption is granted so that the man may first fulfill the mitzvah of peru u'revu (be fruitful and multiply) with his wife.

Halachic Implications

  • Betrothal (Erusin) vs. Marriage (Nissu'in): The exemption applies only during the period between erusin (betrothal, which is legally binding) and nissu'in (finalizing the marriage). Once the marriage is consummated, the exemption no longer applies (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 7:10).
  • Priority of Family Life: The Torah emphasizes the importance of establishing a Jewish home and ensuring continuity before engaging in war (Sifrei Devarim 20:7).
  • Preventing Tragedy: The concern that another man might marry the betrothed woman reflects the Torah’s sensitivity to emotional suffering and the sanctity of marital bonds (Talmud, Sotah 44a).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 8) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine compassion. Just as Hashem shows mercy by exempting this man from war, so too should we act with compassion in our dealings. Additionally, the Midrash highlights that this law ensures that a man does not neglect his responsibilities to his future wife and family.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 7:10), the Rambam codifies this law and explains that these exemptions are meant to preserve the moral and emotional well-being of soldiers. A man preoccupied with unfinished personal matters—such as an unconsummated marriage—would not be fully focused on battle, potentially endangering himself and others.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing exemptions from military service, particularly for those who have betrothed a wife but have not yet taken her.
📖 Kiddushin 29b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligations and exemptions of a man who has betrothed a woman but has not yet consummated the marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 20:7 states that if a man has betrothed (engaged) a woman but has not yet married her, he is exempt from going to war. He should return home so that he does not die in battle, leaving his fiancée to potentially marry someone else. This law emphasizes the importance of family and marital commitments in Jewish life.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the Torah's value of shalom bayit (peace in the home) and the sanctity of marriage. The exemption from war ensures that a man can fulfill his obligation to build a family, which is a central mitzvah in Judaism. The Talmud (Sotah 44a) discusses this exemption as part of the broader laws of who is excused from military service.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 20:7?
A: We learn that personal and familial responsibilities take precedence over communal obligations like war in certain cases. The Torah prioritizes the establishment of a Jewish home, showing that building a family is a sacred duty. Rashi explains that this law also prevents tragedy, as dying in battle would leave the fiancée in a difficult position.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While we do not have the same biblical wars today, the principle still applies: Jewish law values family life and marital harmony. The idea that personal commitments can override other obligations teaches us to balance communal duties with individual responsibilities. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:9) later codifies this exemption as part of Jewish military ethics.
Q: Does this law apply to all wars in the Torah?
A: No, this exemption applies specifically to a milchemet reshut (optional war), not a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war, such as defending Israel). The Talmud (Sotah 44b) clarifies that in a mandatory war (e.g., against Amalek), everyone must fight, even a newly betrothed man. This distinction shows that some wars take precedence over personal circumstances.