AUGUST 1ST, 2004
DEUTERONOMY 20
I. Under the Law, men of God were to encourage the people of God to have great faith in God during times of great fear. (1-4)
A. The Promised Land must be won, not just taken.
- Notice these descriptions: battle (1), people more than thou, and enemies (3).
B. What advice did the priests give to the people when great battles were nearing:
1. Be not afraid of them (1)
2. Let not your hearts faint (3)
3. Again, “fear not” (3)
4. Do not tremble (3)
5. Neither be ye terrified (3)
C. How can God’s people face a battle without fear?
1. God is “with thee.” (1-4)
2. God led the Children of Israel like a shepherd leads a flock: see Psalm 77:20.
II. The men Israel were commanded to meet FOUR conditions before they could fight in a battle:
A. The house must be “dedicated.” (5)
1. This was a religious ceremony in which the man had dedicated his house to God, and all that was in it.
2. The man was not qualified to fight any battles until his house was dedicated.
B. The vineyard must be enjoyed. (6)
1. This is a practical order from God, that a man who fights the battles of Israel should be able to enjoy the benefits of his own house.
2. Many sacrifice their homes for the work of God, but the men of Israel were commanded by God to enjoy their homes before they fought for God.
C. Men, engaged to be married, must marry before going to war. (7)
1. Another practical order form God: the hopes and dreams of married life were not to be left unfulfilled before he went to war.
2. Notice the emphasis on the inner needs of people being met.
D. Fear must be overcome at home. (8)
1. The “fearful and fainthearted” are to learn self-control and courage at home.
2. I believe that it is implied here that when a man is surrounded by his family and possessions, that he realizes some things are worth fighting for.
III. In verses 9-16, peace is to be offered to Israel’s enemies.
A. Those who live in peace with Israel, (in the Promised Land), must live by Israel’s laws.
B. Those who refuse to live in peace are to be overcome by force (12-13), the women and children are to be spared (14), and the spoil taken.
C. This was to be the policy for every city that was taken in the Promised Land. (15)
IV. The pagan nations, dedicated to false gods, were not to be tolerated in the new land. (16-18)
A. A list of these nations can be found in verse 17.
B. Toleration of abominations was a threat to the nation. (18)
1. Sin can be taught, as well as caught.
2. Sinful education is a sin against God.
V. In verses 19-20, another practical order from God is given: be a Conservationist.
A. Don’t destroy all of the trees, especially fruit trees, which can be a source of food.
B. Conservation, today, is usually associated with liberal environmentalists who almost worship nature.
- But there is a Christian view of Conservation that appreciates the beauty of God’s creation, and desires to preserve it, without seeing only its monetary value.
Conclusion: Please read Deuteronomy 21 for next Sunday