Deuteronomy 20:2 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, The priest shall approach, and speak unto the people - The priest on these occasions was the representative of that God whose servant he was, and whose worship he conducted. It is remarkable that almost all ancient nations took their priests with them to battle, as they did not expect success without having the object of their adoration with them, and they supposed they secured his presence by having that of his representative.