share torah logo

Deuteronomy 20:3 - Trust Hashem in battle

Deuteronomy 20:3 - דברים 20:3

Hebrew Text

וְאָמַר אֲלֵהֶם שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתֶּם קְרֵבִים הַיּוֹם לַמִּלְחָמָה עַל־אֹיְבֵיכֶם אַל־יֵרַךְ לְבַבְכֶם אַל־תִּירְאוּ וְאַל־תַּחְפְּזוּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Hear, O Yisra᾽el, you draw near today to do battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, nor be terrified because of them;

Transliteration

Ve'amar alehem shema Yisrael atem krevim hayom la'milchama al-oyveichem al-yerach levavchem al-tira'u ve'al-tachpezu ve'al-ta'artzu mipneihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָמַ֤ר אֲלֵהֶם֙ שְׁמַ֣ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתֶּ֨ם קְרֵבִ֥ים הַיּ֛וֹם לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל־אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם אַל־יֵרַ֣ךְ לְבַבְכֶ֗ם אַל־תִּֽירְא֧וּ וְאַֽל־תַּחְפְּז֛וּ וְאַל־תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
וְאָמַ֤ר אֲלֵהֶם֙ שְׁמַ֣ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתֶּ֨ם קְרֵבִ֥ים הַיּ֛וֹם לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל־אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם אַל־יֵרַ֣ךְ לְבַבְכֶ֗ם אַל־תִּֽירְא֧וּ וְאַֽל־תַּחְפְּז֛וּ וְאַל־תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 20:3) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's instructions to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael and engage in battle. The Torah provides guidance on how to approach war spiritually and emotionally, emphasizing trust in Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Hear, O Israel) serves as a call to unity and attentiveness. He notes that the Kohen Mashuach Milchamah (anointed priest for war) would recite these words to strengthen the people's resolve. Rashi also interprets "אַל־יֵרַךְ לְבַבְכֶם" (let not your hearts faint) as a warning against losing courage when hearing the enemy's shouts or seeing their weapons.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 7:15), the Rambam elaborates on the mitzvah of going to war with faith in Hashem. He emphasizes that the Kohen's role is to remind the soldiers that victory depends not on military strength alone but on divine assistance. The four prohibitions—fainting, fearing, trembling, and being terrified—are meant to instill complete reliance on Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 19) compares this verse to a father encouraging his child, teaching that Hashem reassures Bnei Yisrael like a compassionate parent.
  • Midrash Devarim Rabbah (5:13) states that the enemy's apparent strength is an illusion, as their downfall is predetermined by Hashem when Bnei Yisrael remain steadfast in faith.

Practical Lessons from the Talmud

The Talmud (Sotah 42a) discusses the procedure of the Kohen Mashuach Milchamah, who would recite this verse to exempt those unfit for battle (e.g., those who built a new house or planted a vineyard). This teaches that war is not merely physical but requires spiritual readiness.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that this verse applies to personal spiritual battles as well. "Enemies" can refer to the yetzer hara (evil inclination), and the Torah's command to avoid fear reminds us that divine assistance is always present in overcoming challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws and ethics of warfare, particularly the encouragement given to soldiers before battle to strengthen their resolve and trust in God.
📖 Berakhot 32b
Referenced in a discussion about prayer and the importance of not being fearful or faint-hearted when facing challenges, drawing a parallel to the encouragement given to Israel before battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:3 mean when it says 'Hear, O Israel'?
A: The phrase 'Hear, O Israel' (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a call to attention, reminding the Jewish people to focus on their faith in Hashem before battle. Rashi explains that this phrase connects to the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), reinforcing trust in G-d's protection during difficult times.
Q: Why does the Torah tell us not to fear our enemies before battle?
A: The Torah commands us not to fear because true victory comes from Hashem, not human strength (Proverbs 21:31). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) teaches that a Jewish soldier must trust in G-d and not let fear weaken his resolve, as the verse says, 'let not your hearts faint.'
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 20:3 today?
A: This verse teaches us to face challenges with faith and courage, whether physical or spiritual. The Sforno explains that 'do not tremble' applies to all life's struggles—when we trust in Hashem, we can overcome fear and act with confidence in His help.
Q: How did Jewish soldiers prepare spiritually before battle?
A: Before battle, a Kohen (priest) would address the troops (Deuteronomy 20:2-4), reminding them of G-d's presence. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) states that soldiers who had genuine faith would merit victory, as fearlessness comes from trusting in Hashem's promise to protect Israel.
Q: What does 'do not be terrified because of them' teach us about facing enemies?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 5:13) explains that enemies appear frightening only when we forget G-d's power. The verse reassures us that no enemy is invincible if we uphold our covenant with Hashem, as He fights alongside the righteous (Psalms 20:8).