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The officers will then say to the people: “If anyone has built a house and not yet dedicated it, he is to go home lest he die in battle and another dedicate it. And if anyone has planted a vineyard and has not yet enjoyed its fruit, let him go home lest he die in battle and another eat its fruit. 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]

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Footnotes

  1. 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.

The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in(A) it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. Has anyone planted(B) a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it?(C) Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. 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.(D)

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