Pisqa’ 191²⁹³

1. “When you draw close to battle” (Dt. 20:2). Is it possible to say that [the Priest offers his words] on the very day they join battle? When Scripture states: “Then the Priest shall approach and say: Listen, Israel! This day you are joining the battle” (Dt. 20:3)— it certainly suggests that [the Priest charges the troops] on the very day they join battle. So, what does the Teaching mean by “When you draw close to battle” (Dt. 20:2)? When they reach the perimeter [of enemy territory, but before reaching the front lines,] the Priest expounds for them all these exemptions, **saying to them: “Listen Israel!” (Dt. 20:2).**²⁹⁴

footnotes: ²⁹³ H:212; JN2: 78. ²⁹⁴ Cf. T. Sotah 7:18.