Deuteronomy 20:8

shall speak further The change in the formula is no proof that this is a later addition to the law (as Steuern. avers).

fearful and fainthearted It is true that such were also supposed to be possessed by evil spirits (Schwally). For a Celtic analogy see Scott's Fair Maid of Perth, in which Conacher's timidity is attributed by his foster-father to possession. But there is no evidence of such a superstition here. The rule is rather in sympathy with this Book's constant insistence upon whole-hearted devotion in the service of God. In no direction of life is He content with less. Cp. Judges 7:3.

lest his brethren's heart, etc.] -Fear is catching." (M. Henry.)