Deuteronomy 20:10

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.

Deuteronomy 20:10 in Other Translations

10 When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

10 "When you draw near to a city to fight against it, offer terms of peace to it.

10 “As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.

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

10 "When you approach a city to fight against it, you must make an offer of peace.

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 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”

9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.

11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.

12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

Cross References

• 1. S Deuteronomy 2:26; Luke 14:31-32