Pisqa’ 1911
1
“When you draw close to battle” (Dt.20:2).
Is it possible to say that
[the Priest offers his words]
on the very day they join battle?
When Scripture states:
“Then the Priest shall approach and say: Listen, Israel!
This day you are joining the battle” (Dt.20:3)—
it certainly suggests that
[the Priest charges the troops]
on the very day they join battle.
So, what does the Teaching mean by
“When you draw close to battle” (Dt.20:2)?
When they reach the perimeter
[of enemy territory, but before reaching the front lines,]
the Priest expounds for them
all these exemptions,
saying to them: “Listen Israel!” (Dt.20:2).2