TT #281 · Parashas Shoftim · Seventh Aliyah · Passuk 20:03
And he shall say to them: Hear, Yisrael, you are drawing near today to battle against your enemies; let your heart not be faint, do not fear, do not panic, and do not be terrified before them.
Torah Temimah points to Sotah 42a.
TT lemma: אַתֶּם קְרֵבִים הַיּוֹם לַמִּלְחָמָה.
English: ‘You are drawing near today’ – and not at a later time.
Derash on the immediacy (Bavli) — the word ‘today’ fixes the speech to the present engagement.
The kohen’s words are directed to the troops who are about to enter combat that very day.