Deuteronomy 20:11

KJV

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, [that] all the people [that is] found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, if it make thee answer {H6030} of peace {H7965}, and open {H6605} unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people {H5971} that is found {H4672} therein shall be tributaries {H4522} unto thee, and they shall serve {H5647} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it accepts the terms for peace and opens its gates to you, then all the people there are to be put to forced labor and work for you.

Berean Standard Bible

If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:11 outlines the conditional terms of engagement for Israel when besieging cities "far off" from the promised land. If such a city responded with an offer of peace and opened its gates, its inhabitants would be spared from destruction but would become tributaries, obligated to pay taxes or perform forced labor, and serve Israel. This instruction reveals God's nuanced approach to warfare, prioritizing peace and submission over total annihilation for non-Canaanite nations, while still establishing Israel's dominance and securing resources and allegiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 20 sets forth a series of laws concerning warfare, distinguishing between different types of military engagements and the treatment of conquered peoples. The chapter begins with general encouragements and exemptions from military service (Deuteronomy 20:1-9), followed by specific instructions for besieging cities. Verse 11 falls under the regulations for cities "far off" ([Deuteronomy 20:10-15](/deuteronomy/20-10-15 "Deuteronomy 20:10-15 - Regulations for Distant Cities")), which are distinct from the nations within the promised land that were designated for complete destruction due to their egregious wickedness and idolatry ([Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Command for Utter Destruction of Canaanites")). Specifically, [Deuteronomy 20:10](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Deuteronomy 20:10 - The Offer of Peace to Distant Cities") commands Israel to first offer terms of peace to these distant cities before commencing a siege. Verse 11 details the specific outcome if that offer of peace is accepted, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities of siege warfare and the "holy war" directives against the Canaanites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern warfare was often brutal, characterized by sieges, plunder, and the subjugation or annihilation of conquered populations. Israel, as they prepared to enter Canaan, was operating under unique divine mandates. While they were commanded to utterly destroy certain Canaanite nations to prevent spiritual contamination and execute divine judgment, the laws in [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare") demonstrate a distinct, divinely regulated approach. The concept of tribute (forced labor or taxation) was a common practice among empires of the time, used to consolidate power and extract resources from subjugated peoples. This verse reflects a pragmatic yet divinely sanctioned method for Israel to expand its influence and secure its borders without resorting to total destruction, which was reserved for specific, morally corrupt nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights **Conditional Warfare**, where the outcome of military engagement is dependent on the enemy's response to an offer of peace, rather than always being total annihilation. This underscores the **Offer of Peace** as a divine principle, demonstrating God's desire for reconciliation and less violent outcomes when possible, even in a military context. The establishment of "tributaries" and "service" speaks to **Dominion and Sovereignty**, reflecting God's authority over nations and His specific instructions for Israel in establishing their kingdom and securing their borders. It also subtly touches upon **Divine Justice and Mercy**, showing that while God commands severe judgment for certain peoples ([Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Command for Utter Destruction")), He also provides options for less severe outcomes based on submission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The word "peace" translates the Hebrew term _shâlôwm_ (H7965), which is far richer than merely the absence of conflict. _Shâlôwm_ encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and harmonious relationships. In this context, an "answer of peace" meant not just a cessation of hostilities but an acceptance of Israel's terms, leading to a state of non-aggression and subservience, ensuring the city's well-being under Israelite dominion rather than its destruction.
* **Tributaries (Hebrew, _maç'_):** The term "tributaries" comes from the Hebrew word _maç_ (H4522), which properly refers to a burden or a tax in the form of forced labor. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where conquered peoples were often compelled to provide labor for public works, military service, or to pay taxes in kind or currency. For the inhabitants of the "far off" city, becoming _maç_ meant they would be subjected to a system of obligatory service or payment to Israel, signifying their subordinate status.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** The verb "serve" is _ʻâbad_ (H5647), meaning to work (in any sense), to labor, to be enslaved, or to serve. In the context of this verse, it reinforces the subordinate status of the conquered people. They would not be annihilated but would be compelled to work for or be in servitude to Israel, providing resources and labor that would benefit the Israelite kingdom. This term highlights the shift from independent nation to a subjugated, dependent entity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee,"**: This initial clause sets the condition for the subsequent outcome. It refers to the city "far off" (mentioned in the preceding verse, [Deuteronomy 20:10](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Deuteronomy 20:10 - The Offer of Peace")) responding positively to Israel's offer of peace. "Answer of peace" implies not just a verbal agreement but a concrete acceptance of Israel's terms, including the cessation of resistance. "Open unto thee" signifies the literal opening of the city gates, allowing the Israelite army to enter without a siege, thereby acknowledging Israel's authority and control. This act of opening the gates is a definitive sign of submission and trust in the terms offered.
* **"then it shall be, [that] all the people [that is] found therein shall be tributaries unto thee,"**: This clause describes the immediate consequence of the city's peaceful submission. Rather than being put to the sword, the inhabitants would be spared, but their status would change dramatically. They would become "tributaries," meaning they would be subjected to forced labor or a system of taxation imposed by Israel. This ensured Israel's economic and political dominance over the conquered territory, providing a steady stream of resources and labor without the need for further military engagement or the complete destruction of the population.
* **"and they shall serve thee."**: This final clause reiterates and reinforces the state of subjugation. The "service" refers to their compelled labor or allegiance, solidifying their subordinate position under Israelite rule. This outcome contrasts sharply with the fate of cities that resisted or those within the promised land, for whom total destruction was commanded. It highlights a divinely ordained system where submission leads to preservation, albeit under the authority of the conquering nation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:11 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Conditional Clause** ("if it make thee answer of peace... then it shall be..."), which clearly defines the terms and consequences of the interaction. This legalistic structure is characteristic of the Deuteronomic law code, emphasizing clarity and divine decree. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** within the broader chapter; this verse stands in stark opposition to the commands for utter destruction of the Canaanite nations in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Command for Utter Destruction"), highlighting a nuanced and differentiated approach to warfare based on the identity and location of the enemy. The language used, particularly "tributaries" and "serve," is **Legal Language** that precisely defines the new political and economic status of the subjugated people, reflecting the establishment of a new order under Israelite dominion. The overall tone is one of **Divine Mandate**, as these are not mere human strategies but God's explicit instructions for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:11 reveals a nuanced aspect of God's character and His dealings with humanity, even in the context of warfare. It demonstrates that while God is just and commands judgment against wickedness, He also extends an opportunity for peace and submission, even to those outside His covenant people. This principle suggests that God's desire is not always for destruction, but for a pathway to life and order, albeit under His ultimate authority. The concept of "peace" (shalom) offered before conquest reflects a divine preference for harmonious existence, even if it means a hierarchical relationship. This divine principle of seeking peace before conflict, where possible, resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing reconciliation and the avoidance of unnecessary violence as a first resort.

* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All Men")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific historical context of ancient Israel's conquest of Canaan is unique and not directly applicable to modern nations or individual believers in the same way, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 20:11 offer profound insights for contemporary life. This passage challenges us to consider our approach to conflict, whether personal, relational, or societal. It reminds us that even when facing opposition or injustice, the pursuit of peace and reconciliation should be a primary aim, consistent with God's character. It teaches us that submission to a greater, righteous authority can lead to preservation and order, even if it means relinquishing some autonomy. For believers, this translates into a call to be peacemakers in a broken world, seeking to resolve disputes with wisdom and grace, and recognizing that true peace comes from submission to God's will and His kingdom. We are called to extend the "answer of peace" of the gospel, inviting others to submit to Christ's Lordship, which brings true wholeness and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to engage in conflict rather than first seeking an "answer of peace"?**
* **How does the concept of "submission" in this verse challenge my understanding of autonomy and control in my own life and relationships?**
* **How can I, as a follower of Christ, embody the principle of seeking peace and offering terms of reconciliation in my interactions, even with those who oppose me?**
* **What does it mean to truly "serve" God, and how does that relate to the idea of being a "tributary" in a spiritual sense?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 20:11 promote forced labor or slavery?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 20:11, in its historical context, describes a form of subjugation common in the ancient world, where conquered peoples became "tributaries" (Hebrew: _maç_) and were compelled to "serve" (Hebrew: _ʻâbad_). This typically involved forced labor or a system of taxation and allegiance to the conquering power. While it does describe a form of forced service, it is crucial to distinguish this from chattel slavery as often understood in modern terms. In this specific context, it was an alternative to complete annihilation for "far off" cities that chose peace and submission. The Bible's broader teachings on justice and the treatment of foreigners and the vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Justice for the Poor and Sojourner")) provide important ethical frameworks that mitigate against the abuses often associated with such systems.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:11, with its offer of peace and terms of submission leading to preservation, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament passage deals with physical conquest and earthly dominion, Christ inaugurates a spiritual kingdom where the offer of peace is extended to all humanity. He is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who, through His atoning sacrifice, has made peace between God and humanity through [His atoning sacrifice](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ"). The "answer of peace" that Christ seeks is not mere cessation of hostilities but a complete reconciliation and surrender of one's life to His Lordship. Those who "open unto Him" and accept His terms of peace—repentance and faith—are not annihilated but are spared from eternal judgment and brought into His kingdom. They become His [willing servants](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Servants of God"), no longer under the dominion of sin but willingly offering themselves as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"). This spiritual "tribute" is not forced labor but a joyful offering of our lives, talents, and resources to advance His eternal kingdom. Ultimately, Christ's reign will see all nations "serving" Him, not through earthly conquest but through the transforming power of His gospel, as every knee bows and every tongue confesses that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), to the glory of God the Father.

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

Joshua 9:27

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Judges 1:28

And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

Joshua 9:22

¶ And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We [are] very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

Joshua 9:23

Now therefore ye [are] cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

1 Kings 9:21

Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.

1 Kings 9:22

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Psalms 120:7

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.