Besiege it. The Rabbins assert, that when the city of Madian was attacked in the days of Moses, one side was left unmolested, that the inhabitants might escape, and that this practice was afterwards observed as a law. But we see nothing of the kind in Scripture. read more
10-12 The Israelites are here directed about the nations on whom they made war. Let this show God's grace in dealing with sinners. He proclaims peace, and beseeches them to be reconciled. Let it also show us our duty in dealing with our brethren. Whoever are for war, we must be for peace. Of the cities given to Israel, none of their inhabitants must be left. Since it could not be expected that they should be cured of their idolatry, they would hurt Israel. These regulations are not the rules of... read more
Manner of Dealing With a Besieged City v. 10. When thou, in the course of a campaign during a war, comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it, by inviting the people of the city to submit peacefully, to surrender without resistance. v. 11. And it shall be, if it, the city, make thee answer of peace, agree to the conditions as offered, and open (its gates) unto thee, then it shall be that all the people that is found there in shall be tributaries unto thee,... read more
The Sixth CommandDeuteronomy 19:1 to Deuteronomy 21:9Deuteronomy 19:1-211When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, [possessest them (their land)] and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses; 2Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it. 3Thou shalt prepare [restore, put in good condition] thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land which the... read more
It is necessary to bear in mind that these people were being led into the land not merely to find a possession for themselves as an established nation, but first as the scourge of God against a corrupt and corrupting people. In view of this fact war was inevitable, and therefore particular instructions were now given for the people's guidance in war. First, they were charged to keep before them the vision of God, which alone would enable them to be free from fear in the presence of the foe.... read more
III. REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD (Deuteronomy 19:1 to Deuteronomy 21:9 ). In this section the question of different ways of shedding blood is considered. Lying behind this section is the commandment, ‘you shall do no murder’. It should be noted that in some sense it continues the theme of the regulation of justice. The shedding of the blood of men was always a prominent issue with God (compare Genesis 9:5-6). It is dealt with in a number of aspects. a). In Deuteronomy 19:0... read more
Instructions For Besieging A City (Deuteronomy 20:10-20 ). Israel had already experienced sieges in their battles with the Amorite kings. Once they had entered Canaan they would also have to besiege Canaanite cities. There total slaughter would be the order of the day. But Moses did not want them to see what they had to do with the Canaanites as an example of how they should generally behave. He saw further ahead and recognised that even though they dwelt securely in the land it would not be... read more
Deuteronomy 20. Laws to be Observed during War.— Peculiar to cf. Deuteronomy 21:10-2 Chronicles : (which some attach immediately to ch. 20) and Deuteronomy 23:9-2 Chronicles :, Deuteronomy 24:5 (see remarks prefixed to Deuteronomy 19:14 ff.). The general effect of these laws is to soften the barbarities of war, though in some respects ( Deuteronomy 20:13-Job :) they perpetuate its grossest cruelties. What were the wars which suggested these regulations? Deuteronomy 20:1 . horses, and... read more
CRITICAL NOTES.—Reverence for life, and that which tends to preserve it, was the motive for laws given in last chapter. The same is the basis of those in this chapter. Even in time of war, forbearance was to be exercised in respect of Israelites themselves who are levied for war (Deuteronomy 20:1-9); in respect of the enemy (Deuteronomy 20:10-15); Canaanitish nations alone excepted (Deuteronomy 20:16-18); and in respect of the property of the vanquished. (Speak. Com.)Deuteronomy 20:1-9.... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10-12
Observe the grace of GOD beautifully set forth in the proclamation made to sinners, in the gospel of salvation. If sinners will throw down their arms and receive the LORD JESUS all shall be well. It is only the incorrigible and contumacious on whom ruin will fall. How ought the ministers of JESUS to be unceasingly employed as his ambassadors, in beseeching sinners to be reconciled, and to be at peace with GOD? 2 Corinthians 5:20 . read more