RPG Adults
THE PEOPLE TO BE EXEMPTED FROM WAR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Deuteronomy 20:5-9
Psalm 93
“The LORD reigneth,
he is clothed with majesty.”
THE PEOPLE TO BE EXEMPTED FROM WAR
Fighting for one’s nation is seen as patriotic and something to be proud of. It is also an adventure to many young people. Although one may be killed in battle, many still see it as an honour. Today, many nations have a compulsory military service for their young people. Regardless of such laws, there will still be some who will not like to enrol for different reasons.
During the time of Moses, the young men were required to be in the battle-front. However, different groups of people were exempted, and Moses gave reasons for it. A man who had built a new house but had not dedicated it did not go to war, because if he was killed in war, then another one would be needed to dedicate his house. The second group exempted included a person who had just planted a vineyard and had not eaten the fruit of it. Again, if he died in battle, another person would eat his fruit. The third was one who had betrothed a wife but had not taken her. Also, if he died in battle, another would have to take his wife. A house, a vineyard and a wife were the things that make a home. These exemptions laid emphasis on the importance of a stable home, which led to a stable nation.
The purpose of going to war was not for adventure but rather that people might live in peace. When there was peace, then could one build a stable home. There was thus clear reason for the giving of this law of exemption. In addition to these, the officers were asked to screen the people before letting them go to war. Those who were fearful and fainthearted were barred from going, lest they influenced the other fighting men. Those who were not prepared to fight might discourage the rest of the army.
The officers then were to appoint captains of war. Their initial approach towards cities outside of the Promised Land would be to proclaim peace, not war, in the city that they intended to capture. If the inhabitants were willing to surrender without fighting, then no blood would be shed. This was an easier solution.
THOUGHT: Godly wisdom in times of war is essential.
PRAYER: Father, may our nations always seek peace, and not shed blood.