And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Ver. 8. That is fearful and faint hearted.] This cowardly passion dispirits a man, expectorates his manliness, and exposeth him to the cruel mercy of an enemy. Better be temerarious than timorous! "Ye fugitives of Ephraim," is no small brand of dishonour; Jdg 12:4 besides that melting and trying judgments follow such at heels as account one pair of heels worth two pair of hands. Jer 9:3-7 The French fled so fast before the English at the battle of Terwin, that it was called the battle of Spurs. a
Lest his brethren's hearts.] Cowardice is catching, and shows that men, like stags, have great horns, but want hearts.
a Paul Jovius.