Deuteronomy Chapter 20 verse 10 Holy Bible
When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
read chapter 20 in ASV
When you come to a town, before attacking it, make an offer of peace.
read chapter 20 in BBE
When thou approachest unto a city to fight against it, thou shalt proclaim peace unto it.
read chapter 20 in DARBY
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
read chapter 20 in KJV
When thou comest nigh to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
read chapter 20 in WBT
When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
read chapter 20 in WEB
`When thou drawest near unto a city to fight against it, then thou hast called unto it for Peace,
read chapter 20 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerses 10-20. - Directions concerning the besieging of towns. In 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. Judges 21:13). 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. Verse 10. - Then proclaim peace unto it; i.e. invite it peaceably to surrender.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersDeuteronomy 20:10-20. SIEGES.(10) When thou comest nigh . . . proclaim peace.--Not as the children of Dan did, who massacred the inhabitants of Laish without warning (Judges 18:27-28). Even in the wars of Joshua, the cities that "stood still in their strength" were generally spared (Joshua 11:13).(15) Thus--i.e., sparing the women and the little ones.(16-18) 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.--Upon the inhabitants of these cities the Israelites executed the sentence of Jehovah. Their abominations are sufficiently indicated in Leviticus 18:24-28; Leviticus 20:23. . . .
