With the beginning of a new section, it will be helpful to begin with something like “Moses said to the Israelites, ‘….’ ”

When you go forth to war against your enemies: this does not necessarily mean that the Israelites are taking the offensive; it means simply “when you are fighting your enemies.” For enemies see 1.42.

The LORD your God gives them into your hands: this is a way of saying “… gives you the victory over them,” or “helps you defeat your enemies [or, those that hate you].”

You take them captive: this does not mean taking all of them as captives; “when you take some prisoners [of war]” or “when you capture some of them.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .