Deuteronomy 20:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If a man has recently constructed a home and has not yet had the opportunity to inhabit it, or if he has cultivated a new vineyard and has not yet gathered its harvest, or if he has engaged to marry a woman but has not yet united with her, the principle of love as established by human law commands that such individuals should be excused from military obligations. This consideration is just in terms of military needs, as succumbing to personal desires can hinder one’s ability to fight with devotion; true warriors entering the fray must be unencumbered by distractions of the heart. Additionally, it is a matter of fairness, for the Law acknowledges the inherent unpredictability of warfare and deems it unjust for one to toil and not reap the rewards of his efforts while another reaps the benefits without labor.

Only those with brave and virtuous hearts, who hold earthly possessions in low regard, can engage in this spiritual battle. In reference to the unseen conflict between malevolent spirits and the soul, Moses indicates which souls are suitable for this struggle, stating: "And whosoever shall betroth his wife, let him not go into the battle; and whosoever shall plant grapes, let him not go into it." He refers to worldly entanglements; yet, the individual who contends against the forces of evil is never ensnared by them. For if a person’s craving for earthly pleasures and material wealth hinders him from pursuing spiritual endeavors, he is deprived of divine bliss.