# 864 They Gave a War and Nobody Came
I have a question on Parshas Shoftim that no one has given me a satisfactory answer. We learned there that people who committed any sin would not join a voluntary war. The Cohen would call out before going to war, that any individual who is afraid of the sins he has done, should turn around and go home. Since even the greatest tzadik holds himself humble and full of sins, how did they ever get anyone to participate in that kind of war? Where exactly do you find anyone, especially a righteous person who is not afraid of the errors and sins done in the past?
Ramban on Shoftim mentions that any person claiming exception to the war draft, would have to provide evidence that he belongs to any of the groups exempted, including the sinners. He would have to approach the leading Cohen and confess and prove to him, the transgression committed. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a added that the Anointed Cohen may likely rule and decide that he does not go home-free, instead he has to repent, do Teshuva and then enroll back in the war campaign.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: August 31, 2015