Deuteronomy 20:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:10 presents a unique and counter-intuitive directive within the laws of warfare given to ancient Israel: before initiating a siege against a city, Israel was commanded to first offer terms of peace. This instruction reveals a profound aspect of divine character, emphasizing mercy, order, and the preservation of life even in the context of conflict, setting Israel's conduct apart from the indiscriminate brutality common among other nations of the ancient Near East. It underscores God's desire for reconciliation and a structured approach to justice, offering an alternative to bloodshed whenever possible.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the covenant stipulations and laws for the nation of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare") details the regulations concerning warfare. The chapter begins with commands to trust in God during battle ([Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - Encouragement Before Battle")), followed by exemptions from military service for various reasons ([Deuteronomy 20:5-8](/deuteronomy/20-5 "Deuteronomy 20:5-8 - Exemptions from Military Service")). Immediately preceding verse 10, the appointment of officers is mentioned ([Deuteronomy 20:9](/deuteronomy/20-9 "Deuteronomy 20:9 - Appointment of Officers")). Following this command for peace, the chapter differentiates between cities far off, to whom this offer applies, and the Canaanite cities within the Promised Land, for whom a different, more severe directive of complete destruction (herem) is given to prevent idolatry and moral corruption ([Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Herem Command")). This distinction is crucial for understanding the scope and intent of the peace offering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Warfare in the ancient Near East was often characterized by extreme brutality, with little regard for non-combatants, property, or the sanctity of life. Cities were frequently sacked, populations enslaved or massacred, and resources plundered without prior negotiation. Against this backdrop, the command in Deuteronomy 20:10 stands out as remarkably progressive and humane. It reflects a divine standard that transcended the prevailing norms, demonstrating a God who, even in judgment, provides an opportunity for repentance and avoids unnecessary destruction. The offer of peace, if accepted, would typically result in the city becoming a tributary, providing labor and resources to Israel, but preserving the lives of its inhabitants. This contrasts sharply with the "holy war" concept often associated with Israel, revealing a nuanced approach to conflict that prioritized God's character of justice and mercy.
* **Key Themes:** The directive to "proclaim peace" before battle contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Mercy and Justice**, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but often preceded by an opportunity for reconciliation. It reveals that destruction is a last resort, not a first inclination. Secondly, it underscores **Order and Procedure** in Israel's national life, illustrating that even military campaigns were to be conducted under divine oversight and ethical guidelines, rather than through chaotic violence. This reflects God's desire for a structured society that operates according to His principles, as seen throughout the covenant laws in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Value of Life and Opportunity for Submission**, offering the besieged city a chance to avoid utter destruction by becoming vassals, thereby preserving life and property under new terms. This theme resonates with God's patient dealings with humanity, consistently offering paths to life and blessing, as seen in the foundational choice presented in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (_shalom_) is far richer than the English "peace," which often implies merely the absence of conflict. _Shalom_ encompasses a holistic state of well-being, completeness, wholeness, prosperity, security, and harmony. When Israel was commanded to "proclaim _shalom_," it was not merely an offer of a truce or cessation of hostilities, but an invitation into a state of comprehensive well-being, albeit under Israelite suzerainty. This deep meaning underscores God's desire for reconciliation and order, even with potential adversaries, before resorting to destructive measures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it":** This clause establishes the specific context for the command – Israel is on the verge of military engagement with a city. It implies that the decision to wage war has already been made, and the forces are in position for a siege or direct assault. The proximity indicates the imminence of conflict.
* **"then proclaim peace unto it":** This is the core directive. Before any offensive action, Israel must issue an offer of _shalom_. This "proclamation" (קָרָא, _qara'_, to call out, read, proclaim) would have been a formal, public declaration, likely delivered by a herald or envoy, clearly stating the terms of surrender that would avert conflict. This act serves as a final opportunity for the city to choose a non-violent resolution.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Deuteronomy 20:10 is **Contrast**. The command to "proclaim peace" stands in stark contrast to the expected and common practice of immediate, aggressive warfare in the ancient Near East. This juxtaposition highlights the unique ethical and moral standards God imposed on Israel, setting them apart from surrounding nations. It also serves as a **Theological Statement**, revealing God's character as one who is merciful and just, preferring reconciliation over destruction, even in the context of judgment. The verse also employs **Legal Language** within a **Didactic** framework, providing clear, prescriptive instructions for Israel's conduct, emphasizing divine authority and the importance of adherence to covenant stipulations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to offer peace before battle in Deuteronomy 20:10 is a powerful testament to God's character, revealing His preference for life and reconciliation over destruction, even when judgment is warranted. It serves as a foundational principle that extends beyond literal warfare, informing a broader biblical ethic of seeking peace and exhausting all avenues for peaceful resolution before resorting to conflict. This divine disposition towards mercy and the provision of an opportunity for a different outcome foreshadows God's ultimate plan of salvation, where humanity, though rebellious, is first offered grace and reconciliation through Christ before facing final judgment. It reminds believers that God's primary desire is not condemnation but redemption, and that His people are called to reflect this character in their interactions.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace with All People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:10, though rooted in ancient military law, offers profound spiritual and practical applications for believers today. It challenges us to embody a proactive posture of peace in a world often characterized by conflict and division. Before engaging in disputes, whether personal, familial, or communal, we are called to exhaust every avenue for peaceful resolution, extending grace and offering terms of reconciliation. This means prioritizing dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness, rather than immediately resorting to confrontation or judgment. It reminds us that our God is a God of peace, and as His children, we are to be peacemakers, reflecting His character in our interactions. This principle encourages us to approach difficult relationships or challenging situations with an initial offer of goodwill and a desire for restoration, seeking to de-escalate rather than inflame.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to engage in conflict rather than first proclaiming "peace" or seeking reconciliation?**
* **How can I proactively offer grace and seek peaceful resolution in my relationships, even with those who might be considered "adversaries"?**
* **What does it mean to be a "peacemaker" in my daily life, and how can I better embody this biblical mandate?**

### FAQ

**Does this command apply to all cities Israel fought against, including the Canaanites?**

Answer: No, the command in Deuteronomy 20:10 specifically applies to cities "far off" from the land of Canaan. The subsequent verses in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Herem Command for Canaanites") make a clear distinction, commanding the complete destruction (herem) of the inhabitants of the cities within the Promised Land. This was a unique, divinely ordained judgment against peoples whose wickedness had reached its full measure ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")), and whose continued presence would pose an existential spiritual threat to Israel through idolatry and immoral practices. The peace offer was for non-Canaanite cities, allowing them to become tributaries and avoid destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:10, with its surprising directive to "proclaim peace" before engaging in battle, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel's offer of peace was a conditional one, leading to vassalage if accepted, Christ's offer of peace is absolute and transformative. Humanity, standing in rebellion against God, was a "city" under divine judgment, deserving of wrath. Yet, before the ultimate "battle" of judgment, God, in His infinite mercy, "proclaimed peace" through His Son. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith and Peace with God") declares that "since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), did not come to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son Not to Condemn")). He entered our world, not with a sword of judgment initially, but with an invitation to reconciliation, offering a covenant of peace sealed by His own blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ")). His death on the cross was the ultimate "proclamation of peace," disarming the hostility between God and humanity and offering not just a truce, but true _shalom_—wholeness, reconciliation, and eternal life for all who surrender to Him ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Isaiah 57:19

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

Acts 10:36

The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)