Deuteronomio 20:10

10 »Cuando te acerques a una ciudad para atacarla, hazle primero una oferta de paz.

Deuteronomio 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.

Deuteronomio 20:10 In-Context

8 Y añadirán los oficiales: “Si alguno de ustedes es miedoso o cobarde, que vuelva a su casa, no sea que desanime también a sus hermanos”.

9 Cuando los oficiales hayan terminado de hablar, nombrarán capitanes que dirijan el ejército.

10 »Cuando te acerques a una ciudad para atacarla, hazle primero una oferta de paz.

11 Si acepta y abre las puertas, todos los habitantes de esa ciudad quedarán bajo tu dominio y serán tus esclavos.

12 Pero si la ciudad rechaza la paz y entra en batalla contra ti, la sitiarás;