Deuteronomy 20:8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.
This passage of scripture refers to the questions that were required to be asked of those who had signed up for battle whenever it would occur, and even though at times these questions resulted in thousands of would-be soldiers retreating, yet it was important that the option of returning home be given them. Among some of these strange questions given by God through Moses, is the one that asks if a soldier had previously planted a garden, but had not eaten the fruit of it. Another was whether a man was recently engaged, but had not yet been actually married. He too was then asked to return home. Yet another provision was made so that if an infantry member had built a new house and had not yet dedicated it, that he too was permitted, if he so chose, to return home. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 20:5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 6 And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. 7 And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
This option to return home in the face of an oncoming conflict was both merciful and wise, being given by The Lord who is acquainted with the reasoning of the natural human heart, and lest any should incorrectly conclude that God was not interested in their welfare, these provisions were granted. But another more serious reason for the provision was given, and it has to do with being afraid or fainthearted, the issue that our first passage addresses, for this singular reason could perhaps have a much more negative effect on the entire army than all the other exemptions combined.
Whenever we indulge a spirit of fear, we tend to look at all the negatives instead of the positives, and this tendency results in us magnifying the difficulties much more than they really are, and the more we dwell on the dangers that can happen, is the more we are inclined to doubt and speak of doubt, which in most cases becomes contagious, and consequently has a withering effect on those who might have otherwise been inclined to be courageous. This reason is what was given by the Lord as to why the exemption of the fearful and faint-hearted was warranted. Let's read again:
Deuteronomy 20:8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.
This very same situation occurred when Gideon had sent out an urgent call across the land for those who were willing to fight against the Midianites, to come forward and join the army, and in response thirty thousand men came forward, apparently ready to fight to the death. But after a simple test of their attitudes was given, it was found that the majority were unfit for battle, and to Gideon's dismay, twenty nine thousand, seven hundred of them had to be sent home, leaving him with only three hundred valiant men. Let's read:
Judges 7:2 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me" .... 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. 4 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there" .... 7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
These passages of scripture contain very serious instructions and warnings for us who are living in an age where terrorism an fear of all types of calamities exist, and yet we are called upon by God to fight the good fight of faith. The Bible teaches us that we are in a warfare against unseen foes who, like the Midianites of old, are bent on our destruction, yet we are never to indulge a spirit of fear, on account of the many obstacles and snares which are placed in our pathway. The reason for us not being intimated by satanic forces and agencies is not because of any might and power of ours, for we have none in and of ourselves. What gives us courage in the face of daunting situations is the fact that God has promised to fight our battles with and for us, and therefore the spirit of fear and any indulgence of fearful speeches is totally unnecessary, being diabolically opposed to a mindset of faith and trust.
This is the reason for courage and fortitude that The Lord gave to the Israelites when they were preparing for war, and this is the same reason why we are not to be fearful or faint-hearted, when difficulties and temptations assail us on every side. We therefore end with the passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that we stop our crying, and whining, and zip up our boots, taking the sword of the Spirit in hand, to face the enemy head-on in the name and power of Jesus Christ. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 20:1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; 4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of his word. "Good night" and God bless!