Deuteronomy 20:10

10 If any time thou shalt go to a city to overcome it, first thou shalt proffer peace to it. (Now anytime that thou shalt go to attack a city, thou shalt first make an offer of peace to them, that is, thou shalt give them a chance to surrender.)

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 When these things be said, the leaders of the host shall add to (them) other things, and they shall speak to the people, and say, Who is a fearful man, and of dreadful heart? go he, and turn again into his house, lest he make his brethren's hearts to dread, as he is aghast by dread. (When these things be said, the leaders of the army shall add other things, and they shall say to the people, Who is fearful, and hath a heart full of dread? go he back, and return to his house, lest he make his kinsmen's hearts to fear, just like his is filled with fear.)

9 And when the dukes of the host be still, and have made (an) end of speaking, each chieftain of thy host shall make ready his companies to battle. (And when the leaders of the army have finished speaking, they shall appoint a leader, or a chief man, for each company.)

10 If any time thou shalt go to a city to overcome it, first thou shalt proffer peace to it. (Now anytime that thou shalt go to attack a city, thou shalt first make an offer of peace to them, that is, thou shalt give them a chance to surrender.)

11 If the city receiveth thy (offer of) peace, and openeth to thee the gates, all the people that is therein shall be saved, and it shall serve thee under tribute. (If the city accepteth thy offer of peace, and they surrender, and they open the gates to thee, then all the people who be there shall become your slaves, and shall serve thee.)

12 But if they will not make bond of peace with thee, and begin battle against thee, thou shalt fight against it. (But if they will not make peace with thee, but begin battle against thee, then thou shalt fight against them.)