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Deuteronomy 20:1 - Divine courage in overwhelming odds

Deuteronomy 20:1 - דברים 20:1

Hebrew Text

כִּי־תֵצֵא לַמִּלְחָמָה עַל־אֹיְבֶיךָ וְרָאִיתָ סוּס וָרֶכֶב עַם רַב מִמְּךָ לֹא תִירָא מֵהֶם כִּי־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ עִמָּךְ הַמַּעַלְךָ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

When thou goest out to battle against thy enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more numerous than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Ki-tetze la-milchama al-oyvecha ve-raita sus va-rechev am rav mimecha lo tira mehem ki-Adonai Elohecha imcha ha-ma'alcha me-eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֨א לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה עַל־אֹיְבֶ֗ךָ וְֽרָאִ֜יתָ ס֤וּס וָרֶ֙כֶב֙ עַ֚ם רַ֣ב מִמְּךָ֔ לֹ֥א תִירָ֖א מֵהֶ֑ם כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֖ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֨א לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה עַל־אֹיְבֶ֗ךָ וְֽרָאִ֜יתָ ס֤וּס וָרֶ֙כֶב֙ עַ֚ם רַ֣ב מִמְּךָ֔ לֹ֥א תִירָ֖א מֵהֶ֑ם כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֖ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 20:1) appears in the Torah portion of Ki Teitzei, where Moshe Rabbeinu instructs Bnei Yisrael regarding laws of warfare. The verse serves as a foundational principle for Jewish soldiers, emphasizing faith in Hashem even when facing overwhelming military odds.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "כי ה' אלקיך עמך" ("for Hashem your G-d is with you") is the central reassurance. He notes that the Jewish people should not fear superior enemy forces because Hashem, who redeemed them from Mitzrayim with great miracles, will continue to protect them in battle. Rashi also highlights that the mention of "המעלך מארץ מצרים" ("who brought you up from the land of Egypt") serves as a reminder of Hashem's past salvation, reinforcing trust in His future assistance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 7:15), the Rambam derives from this verse that a Jewish army must not rely solely on military strength but must place their trust in Hashem. He emphasizes that victory in war is ultimately dependent on righteousness and divine providence, not numerical or technological superiority.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei Devarim: The Midrash teaches that the fear of enemy forces is only permissible if Bnei Yisrael have sinned, but if they are righteous, they should have no fear, as Hashem will fight for them.
  • Devarim Rabbah: Expounds that the phrase "עם רב ממך" ("a people more numerous than you") refers not only to physical numbers but also to the spiritual challenge—even if the enemy appears more "numerous" in merit, Hashem will still grant victory to His people.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 525) discusses this verse in the context of the mitzvah to appoint a Kohen Mashuach Milchamah (anointed priest for war), whose role includes strengthening the people's faith before battle. The Kohen would recite words of encouragement, reminding the soldiers of Hashem's presence and past miracles, as alluded to in this verse.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushas Levi (R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) explains that the "horses and chariots" symbolize material and physical obstacles in both war and spiritual struggles. The verse teaches that even when facing overwhelming challenges—whether in battle or in avodas Hashem—one must remember that Hashem's presence ensures victory if trust is placed in Him.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of war and the encouragement given to soldiers before battle, emphasizing trust in God's presence and deliverance.
📖 Berakhot 20a
Referenced in a discussion about divine protection and the merit of the ancestors, illustrating how God's past deliverance (from Egypt) is a source of confidence in present challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:1 mean when it says 'do not be afraid' of a larger enemy army?
A: The verse teaches that when the Jewish people go to war, they should not fear even if the enemy appears stronger because Hashem (God) is with them. Rashi explains that this promise applies specifically to a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war), where trust in God's protection is essential. The mention of the Exodus from Egypt reminds us that just as God saved us then, He will continue to protect us.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus from Egypt in the context of war?
A: The mention of the Exodus serves as a reminder of God's past miracles and deliverance, reinforcing our faith that He will protect us in battle as well. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) explains that this verse instills bitachon (trust in God) by recalling His constant presence and past salvations.
Q: How does this verse apply to facing challenges in daily life?
A: While the verse speaks literally about war, the Midrash teaches that it also applies to personal struggles. Just as the Israelites were told not to fear a stronger enemy, we should face life's challenges with faith in God's help. The Sforno explains that this trust is built by remembering God's past kindnesses, like the Exodus.
Q: Does this mean a Jewish army doesn't need to prepare for war?
A: No, the Talmud (Sotah 44b) teaches that while we must trust in God, we are also obligated to make natural efforts (hishtadlut) in war, such as training soldiers and strategizing. The verse's message is about overcoming fear, not neglecting preparation. The Rambam (ibid.) states that proper preparation is required alongside faith.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning horses and chariots specifically?
A: Rashi notes that horses and chariots were the most advanced and intimidating weapons of that era. By mentioning them, the Torah emphasizes that even when the enemy has superior technology or strength, we should not fear. The Ibn Ezra adds that this teaches us to focus on God's power rather than the enemy's apparent advantages.