דברים, פרק כ׳, פסוק ב׳

Before a nation engages in warfare, the clash of swords and the march of soldiers must be preceded by an essential pause. For the Israelites, going to war requires a deep spiritual and moral preparation that comes before any military deployment. The primary approach among commentators is that this preparation does not occur at the exact moment the battle begins. Instead, it takes place earlier, just as the army reaches the border and is about to cross into enemy territory. Once the fighting actually starts, there is simply no time to deliver speeches or organize the ranks [גור אריה]. Commentators distinguish between drawing near to the location of the war and drawing near to the actual combat [מלבי״ם]. Consequently, the army receives two separate addresses. The first happens at the border, where those who are exempt from fighting are sent back to their homes. The second address occurs on the battlefield itself, aimed at instilling courage in the remaining warriors [מזרחי, רש״ר הירש, אדרת אליהו].

The responsibility of preparing the nation falls to a specific priest. Commentators agree that this is neither an ordinary priest nor the High Priest. Rather, he is a distinguished individual specially appointed and anointed with oil exclusively for this role, earning him the title of the Anointed for War [רש״י, אבן עזרא, תורה תמימה, ביאור שטיינזלץ, ועוד]. Although he is not the High Priest, he is still bound by the same strict laws that govern the High Priest. His very presence at the front lines serves as a powerful reminder that the nation fights as representatives of the Torah and morality, and that victory ultimately depends on the help of God rather than mere military might [רש״ר הירש].

In the military camp, the priest embodies kindness and mercy. This stands in contrast to the military officers, who represent strict justice and discipline. Because of this, it is the priest who opens the military preparations with words of blessing and strength [שפתי כהן]. He is required to deliver his message exclusively in the Holy Tongue [רש״י, רבנו בחיי, שפתי חכמים, ועוד]. Addressing a massive crowd naturally requires a loud voice, but it is considered undignified for a man of the priest's stature to shout. To solve this, the priest would speak his message, and an officer would then broadcast the words loudly to the entire assembly [רלב״ג, חזקוני], taking care to recite the exact words recorded in the Torah [רלב״ג].

The delivery of the address involves a deliberate shift in tone. The priest begins with a harsh tone, hinting at strict warnings for those attempting to evade their duty, before transitioning into a softer, encouraging voice to inspire the soldiers to fight for the honor of God [תולדות יצחק]. Beyond reciting the fixed biblical text, the priest adds moral guidance tailored to the specific situation. He warns the soldiers to be especially careful to avoid any sin during times of danger, as the Divine Presence rests directly within the military camp [העמק דבר]. Finally, he reminds the nation of the unity of God and the recitation of the Shema. This imparts a crucial lesson: even if the soldiers feel they lack sufficient personal merits, their pure faith and acceptance of the yoke of heaven are enough to protect them in battle [שפתי כהן, ברטנורא].