John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:19
When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it ,.... Before it will surrender; it holding out the siege a considerable time: the Hebrew text says, "many days" F3 ימים רבים "diebus multis", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, &c.; ; which the Targum of Jonathan interprets of all the seven days, to make war against it, in order to subdue it on the sabbath day. Jarchi observes, that "days" signify two, and "many" three; hence it is said, they do... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10-20
They are here directed what method to take in dealing with the cities (these only are mentioned, Deut. 20:10; but doubtless the armies in the field, and the nations they had occasion to deal with, are likewise intended) upon which they made war. They must not make a descent upon any of their neighbours till they had first given them fair notice, by a public manifesto, or remonstrance, stating the ground of their quarrel with them. In dealing with the worst of enemies, the laws of justice and... read more