Deuteronomy 20:10

10 "When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace.

Deuteronomy 20:10 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:10

When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it
This is to be understood of an arbitrary war, as Jarchi observes; which they engaged in of themselves, or were provoked to by their enemies; which was their own choice, and according to their own will and pleasure; and their conduct towards their enemies in it was different from that in a war with the seven nations, commanded by the Lord, and distinguished from it, ( Deuteronomy 20:15 Deuteronomy 20:16 ) .

then proclaim peace unto it;
that is, offer them terms of peace; which were, that the inhabitants of it should renounce idolatry, and become their tributaries and servants.

Deuteronomy 20:10 In-Context

8 "Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, 'Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted ? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers' hearts melt like his heart.'

9 "When the officers have finished speaking to the people, they shall appoint commanders of armies at the head of the people.

10 "When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace.

11 "If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you.

12 "However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "call to it for peace"