Houses were dedicated by feasting and thanksgiving to God. See Psalms 30:1 Nehemiah 12:27. Heb. hath initiated it, i. e. entered upon it, taken possession of it, dwelt in it. Let him return to his house, lest his heart be set upon it, and thereby he be negligent or timorous in the battle, to the scandal and prejudice of others. Another man dedicate it; and so he should lose and another get the fruit of his labours, which might seem unjust or hard. And God provides even for men's infirmities. But this and the following exceptions are to be understood only of a war allowed by God, not in a war commanded by God, not in the approaching war with the Canaanites, from which even the bridegroom was not exempted, as the Jewish writers note.
Related Commentaries of Deuteronomy 20:5
Deuteronomy 20:5
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.