Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Deuteronomy 20:1-20
War ch. 20These instructions deal with how Israel was to come into possession of the Promised Land (cf. Numbers 33:50-56). They are in the context of civil legislation because Israel did not have a standing army. Soldiers volunteered to go into battle as needed. Warfare and its prosecution are relevant to the subject of killing and thus to the sixth commandment. This section provided a "manual of warfare" for the Israelites outlining their attitude and approach to national enemies. [Note:... read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 20:12-13
Ver. 12, 13. If it will make no peace—thou shalt smite every male— To punish their obstinacy for rejecting peace, and for incurring all those horrors of war, which, no doubt, they were taught to expect if they refused the conditions offered. read more