Deuteronomy 20:11

11 If then they should answer peaceably to thee, and open to thee, it shall be that all the people found in it shall be tributary and subject to thee.

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 And it shall come to pass when the scribes shall have ceased speaking to the people, that they shall appoint generals of the army to be leaders of the people.

10 And if thou shalt draw nigh to a city to overcome them by war, then call them out peaceably.

11 If then they should answer peaceably to thee, and open to thee, it shall be that all the people found in it shall be tributary and subject to thee.

12 But if they will not hearken to thee, but wage war against thee, thou shalt invest it;

13 until the Lord thy God shall deliver it into thy hands, and thou shalt smite every male of it with the edge of the sword: