Deuteronomy 20:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"When you advance on a town to attack it, first offer it terms for peace.

Berean Standard Bible:

When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.

American Standard Version:

When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

When thou comest nigh^{H7126} unto a city^{H5892} to fight^{H3898} against it, then proclaim^{H7121} peace^{H7965} unto it.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 20:10

**Deuteronomy 20:10** is part of a section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines the laws and procedures for warfare for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The historical context of this verse is set during the time when the Israelites, led by Moses, are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into Canaan.

**Themes:**

1. **Just War Conduct:** The verse emphasizes a principle of justice and mercy in warfare. Before engaging in battle against a city, the Israelites are instructed to offer terms of peace. This reflects a moral code that values peace over unnecessary bloodshed and provides an opportunity for the opposing city to avoid destruction.

2. **Divine Authority:** The laws of warfare given to the Israelites are presented as coming from God, thus framing the conduct of war as a religious obligation. Obedience to these commands is tied to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God.

3. **Mercy and Compassion:** By commanding the Israelites to proclaim peace, the verse underscores the importance of mercy and compassion, even towards enemies. It suggests that war should not be waged without first seeking a peaceful resolution.

4. **Practical Strategy:** Offering peace could also serve a practical purpose, potentially avoiding a costly siege or battle. This approach could be seen as both a humanitarian and strategic military tactic.

5. **Distinction from Surrounding Cultures:** The instructions in Deuteronomy 20 stand in contrast to the typical practices of warfare in the ancient Near East, which were often brutal and total in their destruction. The Israelite code of war, with its provision for peace, sets them apart from their neighbors.

**Historical Context:**

The book of Deuteronomy is presented as a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. These speeches review the law and reiterate the covenant between God and Israel. Deuteronomy 20 is part of a larger section (chapters 12-26) known as the Deuteronomic Code, which details various laws and regulations for the Israelite community, including those pertaining to war.

The instructions regarding warfare would have been particularly relevant as the Israelites prepared to conquer and settle the land of Canaan, which was inhabited by various other peoples. The command to offer peace to a city before laying siege to it reflects the broader Deuteronomic theme of establishing a just and holy society in the Promised Land, one that lives in accordance with God's laws.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7126
   There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרַב
   Transliteration: qârab
   Pronunciation: kaw-rab'
   Description: a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5892
   There are 937 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עִיר
   Transliteration: ʻîyr
   Pronunciation: eer
   Description: or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from עוּר; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post); Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3898
   There are 171 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָחַם
   Transliteration: lâcham
   Pronunciation: law-kham'
   Description: a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction); devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).
   
4. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7965
   There are 208 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלוֹם
   Transliteration: shâlôwm
   Pronunciation: shaw-lome'
   Description: or שָׁלֹם; from שָׁלַם; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace; [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly.