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Deuteronomy 20:7-9
New Catholic Bible
Deuteronomy 20:7-9
New Catholic Bible
7 And if anyone has become betrothed to a woman and has not yet married her, let him go home lest he die in battle and another marry her.”[a] 8 Even then the officers will say to the people, “If anyone is fearful or fainthearted, let him go home lest his brethren become fainthearted as well.”
9 When the officers have finished speaking to the people, they are to appoint commanders to lead the people.
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- Deuteronomy 20:7 An exemption to serve in the military was allowed for an engaged man so that he would have the time after the marriage to have children and thereby ensure the family inheritance.
Deuteronomy 20:7-9
New International Version
Deuteronomy 20:7-9
New International Version
7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.(A)” 8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”(B) 9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.
New International Version (NIV) 
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