Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Deuteronomy 20:2
deu 20:2
Speak unto the people - Probably to one regiment of the army after another.
Deuteronomy 20:5
deu 20:5
What man - This and the following exceptions are to be understood only of a war allowed by God, not in a war commanded by God, not in the approaching war with the Canaanites, from which even the bridegroom was not exempted, as the Jewish writers note.
Deuteronomy 20:6
deu 20:6
A vineyard - This and the former dispensation were generally convenient, but more necessary in the beginning of their settlement in Canaan, for the encouragement of those who should build houses or plant vineyards, which was chargeable to them, and beneficial to the common - wealth. Eaten of it - Heb. made it common, namely, for the use of himself and family and friends, which it was not, 'till the fifth year.
Deuteronomy 20:9
deu 20:9
Make captains - Or rather, as the Hebrew hath it, they shall set or place the captains of the armies in the head or front of the people under their charge, that they may conduct them, and by their example encourage their soldiers. It is not likely they had their captains to make when they were just going to battle.
Deuteronomy 20:16
deu 20:16
Nothing - No man. For the beasts, some few excepted, were given them for a prey.
Deuteronomy 20:19
deu 20:19
Thou shalt not destroy - Which is to be understood of a general destruction of them, not of the cutting down some few of them, as the conveniency of the siege might require. Man's life - The sustenance or support of his life.