Deuteronomy 20:12

12 But if they do not make peace with you and fight you in battle, you should surround that city.

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 march up to attack a city, first make them an offer of peace.

11 If they accept your offer and open their gates to you, all the people of that city will become your slaves and work for you.

12 But if they do not make peace with you and fight you in battle, you should surround that city.

13 The Lord your God will give it to you. Then kill all the men with your swords,

14 and you may take everything else in the city for yourselves. Take the women, children, and animals, and you may use these things the Lord your God gives you from your enemies.