Deuteronomy 20:10

10 si quando accesseris ad expugnandam civitatem offeres ei primum pacem

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 his dictis addent reliqua et loquentur ad populum quis est homo formidolosus et corde pavido vadat et revertatur in domum suam ne pavere faciat corda fratrum suorum sicut ipse timore perterritus est

9 cumque siluerint exercitus duces et finem loquendi fecerint unusquisque suos ad bellandum cuneos praeparabit

10 si quando accesseris ad expugnandam civitatem offeres ei primum pacem

11 si receperit et aperuerit tibi portas cunctus populus qui in ea est salvabitur et serviet tibi sub tributo

12 sin autem foedus inire noluerint et receperint contra te bellum obpugnabis eam