Deuteronomy 20:12

12 But if the people of that city will not surrender, but choose to fight, surround it with your army.

Deuteronomy 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:12

And if it will make no peace with thee
Will not accept of terms of peace offered:

but will make war against thee;
come out and fight, or prepare to defend themselves: then thou shall besiege it; surround and block it up on all sides with their forces; the Jews say only on three sides, leaving one for any to flee and make their escape if they thought fit; (See Gill on Numbers 31:7).

Deuteronomy 20:12 In-Context

10 "When you go to attack a city, first give its people a chance to surrender.

11 If they open the gates and surrender, they are all to become your slaves and do forced labor for you.

12 But if the people of that city will not surrender, but choose to fight, surround it with your army.

13 Then, when the Lord your God lets you capture the city, kill every man in it.

14 You may, however, take for yourselves the women, the children, the livestock, and everything else in the city. You may use everything that belongs to your enemies. The Lord has given it to you.