(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 20:1-20)

1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.

As Israel was preparing to go to war with those that were greater than them, more powerful than them, and outnumbered them, they were not to be afraid, because the Lord would be with them, fight for them, and fight ahead of them.

Fear is a product of the unknown, of feeling inferior, of not being able to control ones destiny. Without God, Israel had much to fear, but with the Lord and His Law, they had something to grasp onto, as their pillar was the Creator of the heavens and earth.

Yet, anyone, that had any excuses, legitimate or illegitimate, reasonable or unreasonable, Moses said, “Let him go home.” Why? “Or he may die in battle.” Fear, lack of trust, has the potential to become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and could result in failure and even death.

It is because one that is unsure, fearful, consumed with thoughts of home, their possession, and anything else besides God, may be distracted, may succumb to their fear and distractions and open up a weakness for the enemy to exploit.

Let him go home reminds us that although each opportunity to serve and worship Him is a blessed opportunity to participate in what He is doing, distrust or lack of faith can sometimes do more harm than good, and can result in unnecessary casualty rather than victory.

Let him go home reminds us that we should approach our life of faith with an unwavering belief in the goodness and provision of our Lord, and when we do doubt we should take a step back and let the Lord help us restore our faith rather than continuing in the battle half-heartedly or without faith.

As He builds us up, restores our faith, and restores our confidence in Him, let us then return to the battlefield and prepare once again to participate in what the Lord is doing.

Let him go home isn’t shame, defeat, or the end, but is an opportunity for us to walk in faith, grow in faith, and restore our faith.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 20