Don’t freak out
1You’re going to find yourself on battlefields, looking at hostile armies bigger than yours. Some of those armies are reinforced by cavalry and chariots. [1] But don’t let them scare you. The LORD your God who brought you this far—all the way from slavery in Egypt—will be right there with you. 2Before the battle begins, the priest will step up and talk to the army. 3He’ll encourage them by saying, “Listen to me, Israel. You’re headed into a battle. Courage. Don’t let fear cause you to panic and freeze up. There’s no reason to be afraid of this enemy.When to send soldiers home
4You’ve got the LORD your God fighting on your side. Your enemy is his enemy. He’s going to win this battle for you.” 5Military officers will address the army, too. They’ll say, “We’re going to grant leave to anyone who meets the following conditions:New house. You’ve built a house but haven’t dedicated it yet. Go home and dedicate it. If you don’t, you might die in battle and someone else would dedicate it.
6Vineyard. You planted a vineyard but haven’t harvested it. Go home and harvest it. If you don’t, you might die in battle and someone else would enjoy the fruit of your labor.
7Engaged. You’re engaged but not yet married. Go home and marry the woman. If you don’t, you might die in battle and someone else would marry her.”
8Military officers will also say, “If you’re terrified and feel your courage slipping away, go home. Those feelings are contagious. We don’t want the others catching what you’ve got.” 9When top officers are done talking, company and squad officers will assume command of their units.
