Deuteronomy 20:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And it shall be, when you are come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
American King James Version (AKJV)
And it shall be, when you are come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
American Standard Version (ASV)
And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And when you are on the point of attacking, let the priest come forward and say to the people,
Webster's Revision
And it shall be when ye are come nigh to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
World English Bible
It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
English Revised Version (ERV)
And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
Definitions for Deuteronomy 20:2
Clarke's Deuteronomy 20:2 Bible Commentary
The priest shall approach, and speak unto the people - The priest on these occasions was the representative of that God whose servant he was, and whose worship he conducted. It is remarkable that almost all ancient nations took their priests with them to battle, as they did not expect success without having the object of their adoration with them, and they supposed they secured his presence by having that of his representative.
Barnes's Deuteronomy 20:2 Bible Commentary
The priest - Not the high priest, but one appointed for the purpose, and called, according to the rabbis, "the anointed of the war": hence, perhaps the expression of Jeremiah 6:4, etc. "prepare ye" (literally consecrate) "war." Thus, Phinehas went with the warriors to fight against Midian (Numbers 31:6; compare 1 Samuel 4:4, 1 Samuel 4:11; 2 Chronicles 13:12).
Wesley's Deuteronomy 20:2 Bible Commentary
20:2 Speak unto the people - Probably to one regiment of the army after another.
