Deuteronomy 20:10-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:5-10

Exemptions. Three classes were exempted from service in war, and one class was forbidden to take part in it. The exempted classes were: 1. He who had built a house, but had not dedicated it. 2. He who had planted a vineyard, but had not eaten of its fruit. 3. He who had betrothed a wife, but had not married her. The class forbidden to engage in the war was the class of cowards ( Deuteronomy 20:8 ). These regulations— I. HAD AN IMPORTANT BEARING ON THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10

Then proclaim peace unto it ; i . e . invite it peaceably to surrender. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10-20

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. 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,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10-20

Forbearance and severity. If these rules embody a severity happily rare in modern warfare, they also exhibit a forbearance which many modern nations might well learn from. We have here— I. WAR 'S HORRORS MITIGATED . 1. Peace was invariably to be offered before attack to a foreign city ( Deuteronomy 20:10 , Deuteronomy 20:11 ). It is presumed that the war was just, and undertaken with the sanction of Jehovah. If peace was accepted, no one was to be injured, but only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10-20

The terrible side of human duty. Sin has made such fatal havoc in our world, that the most severe remedies have to be applied. In the administration of these remedies God has chosen to employ men. Thus he allies himself with us and makes us partners with him in the administration of his kingdom. "Such honor have all his saints." I. THE AIMS OF THE DIVINE GOVERNMENT MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED . Every aim which is formed in God's mind is a seed of righteousness. Therefore... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:11

Shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee ; literally, shall be to thee for tribute and service . The word rendered by "tribute" ( מַם ) denotes properly tribute service, service rendered as a tribute, whether for a season or in perpetuity (cf. Genesis 49:15 ; 1:30 , 1:33 , 1:35 ; 1 Kings 5:13 ; 1 Kings 9:21 ; Isaiah 31:8 [Authorized Version, "discomfited"]) read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 20:10-20

Directions intended to prevent wanton destruction of life and property in sieges.Deuteronomy 20:16Forbearance, however, was not to be shown toward the Canaanite nations, which were to be utterly exterminated (compare Deuteronomy 7:1-4). The command did not apply to beasts as well as men (compare Joshua 11:11, Joshua 11:14).Deuteronomy 20:19The parenthesis may he more literally rendered “for man is a tree of the field,” i. e., has his life from the tree of the field, is supported in life by it... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Rules for war (20:1-20)God’s people were to have confidence in the wars that lay before them, knowing that God was on their side. That did not mean they could be half-hearted or inefficient in the way they planned and fought. All had to give themselves fully to the task before them. Nevertheless, the law temporarily excused some people from military service, such as those who had recently committed themselves to something that could be ruined if they were suddenly called away to the battlefield... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Deuteronomy 20:10

proclaim peace: i.e. if it belong not to the Canaanites. Compare Matthew 10:12 , Matthew 10:13 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Deuteronomy 20:10

"When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it; And it shall be, if it make the answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee. And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it: and when Jehovah thy God delivereth it into thy hand, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword: but the... read more

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