Deuteronomy 20:11

11 If they accept it and open [their gates] to you, then all the people there will be made to do forced labor and serve you.

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 When the officers finish speaking to the troops, they should appoint commanders to lead them.

10 When you approach a city to attack it, offer its people a peaceful way to surrender.

11 If they accept it and open [their gates] to you, then all the people there will be made to do forced labor and serve you.

12 If they won't accept your offer of peace but declare war on you, set up a blockade around the city.

13 When the LORD your God hands the city over to you, kill every man in that city with your swords.