Deuteronomy 20:11

11 If they answer, "Yes, peace!" and open the city to you, then everyone found there will be conscripted as forced laborers and work for 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 have finished speaking to the troops, let them appoint commanders of the troops who shall muster them by units.

10 When you come up against a city to attack it, call out, "Peace?"

11 If they answer, "Yes, peace!" and open the city to you, then everyone found there will be conscripted as forced laborers and work for you.

12 But if they don't settle for peace and insist on war, then go ahead and attack.

13 God, your God, will give them to you. Kill all the men with your swords.