5. “The officers are to speak to the troops saying, ‘What man has built a new house but has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house—otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.
6. What man has planted a vineyard but has not put it to use? Let him go back to his house—otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would begin to use it.
7. What man has become engaged to a woman but has not married her? Let him go back to his house—otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.’
8. The officers will speak further to the troops and say, ‘What man is afraid and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house—so he does not weaken his brothers’ heart like his own.’
9. Then when the officers have finished speaking to the troops, they should appoint army commanders at the head of the troops.
10. “When you go near a city to fight against it, call out shalom to it.
11. Now if it answers you shalom and opens up to you, then all the people found in it will serve you as forced laborers.
12. If it does not make peace with you but makes war against you, then lay siege against that city.