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Deuteronomy 20:2 - Priest inspires before war

Deuteronomy 20:2 - דברים 20:2

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כְּקָרָבְכֶם אֶל־הַמִּלְחָמָה וְנִגַּשׁ הַכֹּהֵן וְדִבֶּר אֶל־הָעָם׃

English Translation

And it shall be, when you are come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, and shall say to them,

Transliteration

Vehaya kikrovchem el-hamilchama venigash hakohen vediber el-ha'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֕ה כְּקָֽרׇבְכֶ֖ם אֶל־הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְנִגַּ֥שׁ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן וְדִבֶּ֥ר אֶל־הָעָֽם׃
וְהָיָ֕ה כְּקָֽרׇבְכֶ֖ם אֶל־הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְנִגַּ֥שׁ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן וְדִבֶּ֥ר אֶל־הָעָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 20:2) appears in the context of the laws of warfare, specifically outlining the role of the Kohen Mashuach Milchamah (the priest anointed for war) before the Jewish people engage in battle. This priestly address is meant to strengthen the people's faith and resolve as they prepare for war.

Role of the Kohen Mashuach Milchamah

Rashi (Devarim 20:2) explains that the priest designated for war is not the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), but a special priest appointed to inspire the troops with words of encouragement and divine assurance. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) elaborates that his role is to remind the soldiers of Hashem's presence and to ensure they do not falter in fear.

The Content of the Priest's Address

According to Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:1), the priest's speech includes four key messages:

  • Assurance of divine assistance in battle
  • Exemption for those who are fearful or unfit for war
  • Reminders of past salvations
  • Encouragement to trust in Hashem

Spiritual Preparation for War

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 19) emphasizes that physical warfare must be preceded by spiritual preparation. The priest's role is to elevate the consciousness of the soldiers, reminding them that victory comes from Hashem, not merely from military strength (as stated in Tehillim 20:8).

Halachic Implications

The Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 7:2-3) derives from this verse that war must be approached with proper religious protocol. The priest's involvement underscores that even in times of war, the Jewish people must maintain their connection to Torah and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of war, specifically the priest's role in addressing the troops before battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:2 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 20:2 teaches that before going to battle, a Kohen (priest) must address the Jewish people to strengthen their faith and trust in Hashem. According to Rashi, the priest reminds them that Hashem fights alongside them, ensuring they do not fear the enemy.
Q: Why does the priest speak to the soldiers before battle?
A: The priest speaks to the soldiers to inspire them spiritually and remind them of Hashem's protection. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) explains that this speech helps eliminate fear and reinforces the idea that victory comes from divine assistance, not just physical strength.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 20:2 today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of spiritual preparation before facing challenges. Just as the soldiers needed encouragement from the Kohen, we too should seek inspiration from Torah and mitzvot to strengthen ourselves in difficult times, as emphasized by the Rambam in Hilchot Melachim.
Q: Who was supposed to give this speech before battle?
A: The Torah specifies that a Kohen (priest) designated for war (משוח מלחמה) would deliver this speech. The Mishnah (Sotah 8:1) explains that this was a special role assigned to a priest to uplift and prepare the soldiers spiritually.
Q: How does this verse apply to everyday struggles?
A: While this verse discusses physical war, the Midrash teaches that it also symbolizes our inner battles against negative inclinations. Just as the soldiers needed faith in Hashem, we must remember to turn to Torah and prayer for strength in personal challenges, as taught in Jewish ethical works like Mesillat Yesharim.