Definition: And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 20:7. It’s a pretty serious warning about marriage and responsibility. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that it’s incredibly important to be honest and responsible with your marriage. It’s saying, “If you are engaged to someone and haven’t already taken them as a wife, immediately leave the engagement and return home.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her?” This asks us to consider the situation of someone who has already made a promise to marry someone. It’s asking us to think about who is involved in this commitment. “Let him go and return unto his house…” This is the crucial instruction. It means you must leave the engagement immediately. The “house” represents home, family, and a place of safety. “…lest he die in the battle…” This part speaks to the potential danger involved. It’s suggesting that marriage can be risky, and someone could get hurt or even killed during a conflict (like war). "...and another man take her.” This is the consequence if you don't leave immediately. Someone else might become engaged to the woman you are currently with. What’s the point of this verse? It’s essentially a reminder that marriage is a serious commitment, and we need to be responsible and act quickly when making promises about it. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, respect, and avoiding putting someone in danger. In short: This verse urges you to be honest with yourself and others about your engagement – don't delay! --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into the context of the Old Testament or explore the biblical view on marriage.