Deuteronomy 20:11

11 And if it gives you back an answer of peace, opening its doors to you, then all the people in it may be put to forced work as your servants.

Deuteronomy 20:11 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:11

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace
Comply with the terms of peace offered:

and open unto thee;
the gates of the city and its garrisons, and deliver all into their hands:

then it shall be that all the people that is found therein;
some having made their escape before the surrender of the city:

shall be tributaries unto thee:
pay a yearly tax imposed upon them, as the Moabites sometimes did, and which was paid in lambs and rams with the wool, ( 2 Kings 3:4 )

and they shall serve thee;
not as slaves, or be in continual bondage and servitude; but upon occasion be called out to any public service, as joining them against their enemies, rebuilding palaces and cities, or repairing walls of cities, and the like; and in general acknowledge their dominion over them, and their own subjection to them, by paying an annual tribute, or sending gifts unto them; thus the Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites, became the servants of David, ( 2 Samuel 8:2 2 Samuel 8:6 2 Samuel 8:14 ) .

Deuteronomy 20:11 In-Context

9 Then, after saying these words to the people, let the overseers put captains over the army.

10 When you come to a town, before attacking it, make an offer of peace.

11 And if it gives you back an answer of peace, opening its doors to you, then all the people in it may be put to forced work as your servants.

12 If however it will not make peace with you, but war, then let it be shut in on all sides:

13 And when the Lord your God has given it into your hands, let every male in it be put to death without mercy.