share torah logo

Deuteronomy 20:5 - New home? Stay, avoid war.

Deuteronomy 20:5 - דברים 20:5

Hebrew Text

וְדִבְּרוּ הַשֹּׁטְרִים אֶל־הָעָם לֵאמֹר מִי־הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה בַיִת־חָדָשׁ וְלֹא חֲנָכוֹ יֵלֵךְ וְיָשֹׁב לְבֵיתוֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת בַּמִּלְחָמָה וְאִישׁ אַחֵר יַחְנְכֶנּוּ׃

English Translation

And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Transliteration

Vediberu hashoterim el-ha'am lemor mi-ha'ish asher banah bayit-chadash velo chanacho yelech veyashov leveito pen-yamut bamilchama ve'ish acher yachnechenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְדִבְּר֣וּ הַשֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ אֶל־הָעָ֣ם לֵאמֹר֒ מִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנָ֤ה בַֽיִת־חָדָשׁ֙ וְלֹ֣א חֲנָכ֔וֹ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת֙ בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יַחְנְכֶֽנּוּ׃
וְדִבְּר֣וּ הַשֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ אֶל־הָעָ֣ם לֵאמֹר֒ מִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנָ֤ה בַֽיִת־חָדָשׁ֙ וְלֹ֣א חֲנָכ֔וֹ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת֙ בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יַחְנְכֶֽנּוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy 20:5)

This verse appears in the section of Parshat Shoftim, where the Torah outlines laws pertaining to warfare. The shotrim (officers) are instructed to exempt certain individuals from military service, including one who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it (chanacho). The concern is that if he dies in battle, another person may take possession of his home.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 20:5) explains that the term chanacho (dedicated) refers to the mitzvah of chanukat habayit—inaugurating the home by affixing a mezuzah and settling into it. He cites the Talmud (Sotah 43a), which states that this exemption applies only to a house designated for dwelling, not a barn or storage structure. Rashi further clarifies that the Torah’s concern is for the emotional distress of the soldier, who would be preoccupied with the thought of losing his home.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim 7:7, Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that the exemption is granted to prevent anguish (tza'ar)—not only for the soldier but also for his family. He notes that this applies even in a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war), underscoring the Torah’s sensitivity to human emotions and familial stability.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 7) connects this law to the broader theme of hashgacha pratit (Divine providence). It teaches that Hashem cares about the individual’s personal circumstances, even amid national obligations. The exemption reflects the principle that one’s spiritual and emotional readiness is essential for success in war.

Halachic Implications

  • Scope of Exemption: The exemption applies only to a house built within the past year (Mishnah Sotah 8:4).
  • Priority of Mitzvot: The Talmud (Sotah 44a) debates whether the exemptions are sequential or simultaneous, concluding that all four exemptions (house, vineyard, betrothal, fear) are announced together.
  • Modern Application: While not directly applicable today, the principle teaches the value of shalom bayit (domestic harmony) and the importance of addressing personal concerns before communal duties.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the exemptions from military service for those who have built a new house but not yet dedicated it, as part of the broader discussion on who is exempt from going to war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:5 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 20:5 instructs that if a soldier has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it (celebrated its completion), he should return home from war to avoid dying in battle and having someone else dedicate it instead. This shows the Torah's concern for human emotions and the importance of enjoying one's achievements.
Q: Why is dedicating a new house important in this verse?
A: Dedicating a new house (Chanukat HaBayit) is a significant milestone in Jewish life, symbolizing gratitude to Hashem for providing shelter. The Torah prioritizes this personal joy over immediate military duty, teaching that spiritual and emotional well-being matter even during national obligations like war.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 20:5?
A: This verse teaches compassion and the value of personal happiness. Even in times of war, the Torah considers a person's emotional state—allowing them to experience the joy of their new home. It reminds us that mitzvot (commandments) should enhance life, not diminish it.
Q: How does this verse apply today if there is no mandatory war?
A: While we no longer have mandatory wars like in biblical times, the principle applies to balancing responsibilities with personal and family needs. The Torah encourages us to prioritize meaningful life events (like a new home) over excessive burdens, ensuring we live with gratitude and joy.
Q: What does Rashi say about this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah is concerned about the soldier's distress if he dies in battle before enjoying his new home. This reflects the idea that Hashem cares about human feelings and wants us to experience simcha (joy) in our mitzvot, not just perform them mechanically.