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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:9">◄</a> Deuteronomy 20:10 <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“When you draw near to a city to fight against it, offer terms of peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“When you go near a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“If you come near a city to fight against it, you shall call for <i>terms</i> of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“When you advance to a city to fight against it, you shall [first] offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you approach a city to fight against it, make an offer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you approach a city to fight against it, you must make an offer of peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you approach a city to attack it, offer its people a peaceful way to surrender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"When you go to attack a city, first give its people a chance to surrender. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When you approach a city to wage war against it, extend terms of peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you approach a city to wage war against it, offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When thou comest nigh to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then you have called to it for peace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'When thou drawest near unto a city to fight against it, then thou hast called unto it for Peace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />When thou shalt come near to a city to war against it, and call peace to it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If at any time thou come to fight against a city, thou shalt first offer it peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When, at any time, you approach a city to fight against it, you shall first offer peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you draw near a city to attack it, offer it terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When you draw near to a town to fight against it, offer it terms of peace.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when you approach to a town to fight against it, proclaim peace upon it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if thou shalt draw nigh to a city to overcome them by war, then call them out peaceably.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5571" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: ṯiq·raḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">you approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: wə·qā·rā·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">you are to make an offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">of peace.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-19.htm">Joshua 11:19</a></span><br />No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-2.htm">2 Chronicles 19:2</a></span><br />Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">1 Kings 20:31-34</a></span><br />Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Judges 21:13</a></span><br />Then the whole congregation sent a message of peace to the Benjamites who were at the rock of Rimmon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18-22</a></span><br />Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. / I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” / “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/27-5.htm">Isaiah 27:5</a></span><br />Or let them lay claim to My protection; let them make peace with Me—yes, let them make peace with Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8-9</a></span><br />Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah 38:17</a></span><br />Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-15.htm">Ezekiel 17:15-18</a></span><br />But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ / ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. / Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-12.htm">Matthew 10:12-15</a></span><br />As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. / And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-5.htm">Luke 10:5-12</a></span><br />Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.</p><p class="hdg">then proclaim</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18-22</a></b></br> Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask <i>counsel</i> at Abel: and so they ended <i>the matter</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a></b></br> I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to <i>him that is</i> far off, and to <i>him that is</i> near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/9-10.htm">Zechariah 9:10</a></b></br> And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion <i>shall be</i> from sea <i>even</i> to sea, and from the river <i>even</i> to the ends of the earth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-2.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/psalms/74-11.htm">Drawest</a> <a href="/numbers/20-18.htm">March</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-26.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-29.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Terms</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/31-14.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-26.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/job/13-27.htm">Drawest</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">March</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-2.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-6.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-12.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-1.htm">Terms</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Israelites, under God's command, were entering the Promised Land, a region inhabited by various Canaanite tribes. The approach to a city signifies the beginning of a military campaign. Historically, cities were often fortified, and approaching them required strategic planning. This directive reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty in granting the Israelites victory over their enemies, as seen in Joshua's conquests (Joshua 6-12). The approach also symbolizes the spiritual battles believers face, where preparation and reliance on God are crucial.<p><b>to fight against it</b><br>The act of fighting against a city indicates a divinely sanctioned military action. In the context of Deuteronomy, this was part of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations due to their idolatry and wickedness (<a href="/deuteronomy/9-4.htm">Deuteronomy 9:4-5</a>). The Israelites were instruments of divine justice, a theme echoed in the New Testament where believers are called to spiritual warfare against sin and evil (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>). The historical context shows that warfare was a means of survival and expansion, but for Israel, it was also a means of fulfilling God's covenant promises.<p><b>you are to make an offer of peace</b><br>This instruction highlights the importance of seeking peace before engaging in conflict. It reflects God's character as a God of peace (<a href="/romans/15-33.htm">Romans 15:33</a>) and His desire for reconciliation. The offer of peace can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers peace and reconciliation to humanity (<a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Colossians 1:20</a>). In the ancient world, such offers were not uncommon, serving as a diplomatic gesture to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live peaceably with all (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). The offer of peace also underscores the mercy and patience of God, providing an opportunity for repentance and submission before judgment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people receiving the instructions from God through Moses. They are preparing to enter the Promised Land and are given guidelines for warfare.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people before they enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land that the Israelites are about to enter and conquer, as promised by God. The cities within Canaan are the immediate context for these instructions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_canaan.htm">Cities of Canaan</a></b><br>The specific targets of the Israelites' military campaigns. These cities are to be approached with an offer of peace before any attack.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority giving these instructions, emphasizing His desire for peace and justice even in times of war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_priority_on_peace.htm">God's Priority on Peace</a></b><br>Even in warfare, God prioritizes peace. This reflects His character and desire for reconciliation over conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/principle_of_offering_peace.htm">Principle of Offering Peace</a></b><br>Before engaging in conflict, seek peaceful resolutions. This principle can be applied in personal relationships, business dealings, and community interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The Israelites were to follow God's instructions precisely. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in all areas of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>Offering peace first demonstrates God's justice and mercy, providing an opportunity for repentance and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>In spiritual battles, we are called to approach situations with a heart of peace, using prayer and the Word of God as our primary tools.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_offer_peace_then_show_no_mercy.htm">How can God’s people be told to offer terms of peace in one situation but show no mercy in another (Deuteronomy 20:10–18)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/compare_psalm_131's_humility_to_vengeful_god..htm">How does the humble tone in Psalm 131 compare to other passages that depict a vengeful or warlike God (e.g., Deuteronomy 20)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_pacifism.htm">What is the Bible's stance on pacifism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_11_12-15_align_with_sparing.htm">How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12–15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><a href="/context/deuteronomy/20-10.htm" title="When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.">Deuteronomy 20:10-20</a>. <span class= "bld">SIEGES.</span><p>(10) <span class= "bld">When thou comest nigh . . . proclaim peace.</span>--Not as the children of Dan did, who massacred the inhabitants of Laish without warning (<a href="/context/judges/18-27.htm" title="And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came to Laish, to a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.">Judges 18:27-28</a>). Even in the wars of Joshua, the cities that "stood still in their strength" were generally spared (<a href="/joshua/11-13.htm" title="But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.">Joshua 11:13</a>).<p>(15) <span class= "bld">Thus</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>sparing the women and the little ones.<p>(16-18) <span class= "bld">But of the cities of these people . . . thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth . . . that they teach you not to do after all their abominations.</span>--Upon the inhabitants of these cities the Israelites executed the sentence of Jehovah. Their abominations are sufficiently indicated in <a href="/context/leviticus/18-24.htm" title="Defile not you yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:">Leviticus 18:24-28</a>; <a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm" title="And you shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.">Leviticus 20:23</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10-20.</span> <span class="accented">- Directions concerning the besieging of towns</span>. <span class="accented">In</span> the case of a town at a distance, not belonging to any of the Canaanitish tribes, on advancing against it they were first of all to summon the inhabitants to a peaceable surrender and submission (cf. <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Judges 21:13</a>). If this was complied with, the inhabitants were to become tributary to the Israelites and serve them; but if this was refused, the town was to be besieged, and, when taken, all the males were to be slain, and the women and children, as well as all the booty that was in the place, were to be taken as the prey of the conquerors, who were to appropriate the spoil to their own use. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then proclaim peace unto it</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. invite it peaceably to surrender. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you approach</span><br /><span class="heb">תִקְרַ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiq·raḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a city</span><br /><span class="heb">עִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to fight</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against it,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶ֑יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are to make an offer</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקָרָ֥אתָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qā·rā·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of peace.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:10 When you draw near to a city (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>