Deuteronomy 20
DiodatiDeuteronomy 20:2
THe Priest] For ordinarily some of the chief Priests went along with the army, with the holy trumpets, Num. 10. 9. and 31. 6.
Deuteronomy 20:5
Officers] Those were the magistrates of particular communalties, Deuteronomy 1:13. which also followed the armies, Numbers 31:14 What man] A precept of equity to preserve him from danger, who hath yet received no profit of some laudable enterprise, or fact, which he hath already undertaken or done: Dedicated] solemnly blessed the first enjoying of it, by prayers, holy hymnes and rejoycing, according to the use of those times, see Nehemiah 12:27. Psal. 30. 1.
Deuteronomy 20:6
Eaten of it] The Italian, Begun to enjoy it according to the common use of it] for by the Law, Leviticus 19:23. the fruit of the first three yeares ought to lie abandoned; of the fourth; to be consecrated to God, and the fifth the owner began to enjoy it.
Deuteronomy 20:7
Betrothed] That is to say, made a promise, according to the ancient and very laudable custome, which was, to have some time interposed, between the promise or the betroathing and the wedding, see Genesis 19:14. Deuteronomy 22:23. Matthew 1:18.
Deuteronomy 20:9
Captaines] These were Captaines for the wars which were appointed, by publick authority, with solemnity, and binding of the souldiers to obedience.
Deuteronomy 20:10
Commest nigh] In a just and necessary war.
Deuteronomy 20:13
Every male] See Numbers 31:7.
Deuteronomy 20:19
Thou shalt not destroy] This must be understood of a generall destruction of all the trees of the countrey, through the fury and rage of war; not of some particular cutting down for use, or necessity in the siege: For the Tree] thou needest not to feare that the trees will stir to get into the besieged towne, the chief care of the besiegers being to cut off all way of relief from the besieged.
Deuteronomy 20:20
Build bu〈…〉ks, &c.] The Italian hath it, Build what shall be necessary for the siedge, &c.] Hebrew the siedge, namely engines, towers, stakes, or other necessary fences:subdued] The Italian, Fall] that is to say, untill it be forced or taken.