Deuteronomy 20:12

KJV

And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it will make no peace {H7999} with thee, but will make {H6213} war {H4421} against thee, then thou shalt besiege {H6696} it:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if they refuse to make peace with you but prefer to make war against you, you are to put it under siege.

Berean Standard Bible

But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.

American Standard Version

And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:12 provides a specific directive within the Mosaic Law concerning the conduct of warfare, stipulating the required military response when a city, having been offered terms of peace, defiantly rejects reconciliation and chooses armed conflict. This verse details the transition from an initial overture of peace to the necessary act of siege, underscoring the serious consequences of rejecting Israel's divinely sanctioned offer and highlighting God's sovereign authority over the land and its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 20 is a pivotal chapter within Moses' final addresses to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. It outlines the laws of warfare, beginning with instructions for encouraging soldiers and exempting certain individuals from battle (Deuteronomy 20:1-9). Immediately preceding verse 12, [Deuteronomy 20:10-11](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Deuteronomy 20:10-11 - Offering Peace Before Battle") establishes the critical prerequisite of offering terms of peace to any city outside the promised land. If the city accepted, its inhabitants were to become Israel's forced laborers. Verse 12 then presents the alternative: if peace is refused, the command is to besiege the city. This sequence demonstrates a divinely ordered process, prioritizing peaceful submission where possible, but prescribing decisive military action when met with hostility. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 20:13-18) detail the treatment of conquered cities, distinguishing between those within and outside the promised land, with a stricter command for the complete destruction of the latter due to their idolatry and wickedness, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Destroy Idolatrous Nations").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Deuteronomy 20 reflect the realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where sieges were a common and brutal method of conquest for fortified cities. However, Israel's approach was unique due to its covenant relationship with Yahweh. Unlike other nations driven purely by expansionism, Israel's military campaigns were framed as divinely mandated acts of judgment against the inhabitants of Canaan, whose wickedness had reached its full measure (cf. [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). The offering of peace before battle, even to cities outside Canaan, sets Israel apart, demonstrating a principle of restraint and a preference for non-violent resolution, which was uncommon in the ruthless warfare of the period. This context highlights Israel's unique role as God's instrument for establishing His righteous rule in the land, even through military means, while simultaneously offering a path for non-Canaanite cities to avoid complete destruction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, as God directs Israel's actions, including their military engagements, as part of His righteous judgment against wicked nations and His faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel regarding the land (cf. [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not by Your Righteousness")). The theme of **Conditional Warfare** is prominent, emphasizing that war was not the immediate or desired outcome but a consequence of rejecting peace. This highlights God's preference for peace, even in the context of conquest, and establishes a moral framework for Israel's military actions. Furthermore, it underscores the **Consequences of Opposition**, demonstrating that deliberate defiance against God's ordained plan, as mediated through Israel's offer, would inevitably lead to severe repercussions, including the hardships of a siege and potential destruction. This reflects the principle that rejection of divine overtures brings judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The underlying root for "make peace" (from the Hiphil imperfect verb `yashlim`) is _shalem_ (שָׁלֵם), which signifies completeness, wholeness, soundness, and integrity. When used in the context of "making peace" or "making no peace" (לֹא יַשְׁלִים, _lo yashlim_), it refers to the establishment of a complete and harmonious relationship, often involving a treaty or covenant. Thus, a city that "will make no peace" is not merely refusing to cease hostilities but is actively rejecting the possibility of a comprehensive, non-belligerent, and potentially subservient relationship, opting instead for a state of utter brokenness and conflict. This rejection is profound, indicating a complete unwillingness to enter into any form of accord.
* **Besiege (Hebrew, _tsur'_):** The verb _tsur_ (צוּר) means "to bind," "to tie up," or "to confine," and in a military context, "to besiege" or "to lay siege to." It describes the act of encircling a city with military forces to cut off supplies and communication, aiming to starve the inhabitants into submission or to breach its defenses. The command "then thou shalt besiege it" is a direct, imperative instruction, indicating a necessary and decisive military action. It reflects the serious nature of the city's refusal to make peace and the divinely sanctioned consequence for such defiance in ancient warfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it will make no peace with thee,"**: This clause sets the condition for the subsequent action. It refers to the city's refusal to accept the terms of peace offered by Israel, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 20:10](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Deuteronomy 20:10 - Offering Peace"). The rejection of "peace" (understood as a comprehensive, treaty-based relationship, possibly involving tribute and servitude) is the primary trigger. It implies an active and deliberate choice by the city's leadership to resist Israel's overtures.
* **"but will make war against thee,"**: This second conditional clause clarifies and intensifies the first. Not only does the city refuse peace, but it actively prepares for and intends to engage in armed conflict. This signifies a hostile and aggressive stance, confirming the city's rejection of any peaceful resolution and its readiness to defend itself by force. This makes the conflict unavoidable from Israel's perspective, as the city has chosen the path of confrontation.
* **"then thou shalt besiege it:"**: This is the divine command, the direct consequence of the city's refusal of peace and choice of war. The imperative "thou shalt besiege" indicates that this action is not optional but a mandatory military response. It signifies the initiation of a prolonged and intense military operation designed to conquer the city through attrition or direct assault, reflecting the severe outcome of defying God's ordained plan for Israel's conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:12 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, structured with a clear "if...then" framework. This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the city's choice and Israel's subsequent action, emphasizing that the siege is a direct consequence of the city's refusal of peace and its decision for war. This structure underscores the principle of accountability and divine justice. Secondly, the verse contains a **Divine Command**, expressed through the imperative "then thou shalt besiege it." This direct instruction from God, mediated through Moses, establishes the absolute authority behind the action and removes any ambiguity regarding Israel's responsibility. Finally, there is a clear **Contrast** presented between "making peace" and "making war." This juxtaposition emphasizes the two distinct paths available to the city and the starkly different outcomes associated with each, highlighting the gravity of the choice presented to the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:12, while dealing with ancient Israelite warfare, offers profound theological insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity. It reveals a God who, even in the context of judgment and conquest, first offers a path of peace and submission. This demonstrates His patience and His preference for reconciliation over destruction, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. However, it also underscores His unwavering justice and sovereignty; when peace is rejected and active opposition chosen, divine judgment, executed through His chosen instruments, inevitably follows. This balance between divine patience and divine judgment is a consistent theme, showing that God's ultimate purpose is to establish His righteous rule, whether through willing submission or through the consequences of rebellion. The passage implicitly teaches that there are boundaries to God's patience, and deliberate defiance of His will carries severe repercussions.

* [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.")
* [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18 "God's Wrath Against Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific military commands of Deuteronomy 20 are not directly applicable to believers today, the underlying principles offer rich spiritual and ethical insights. The command to offer peace before initiating conflict speaks to the profound biblical value of reconciliation and the pursuit of harmonious relationships, even with those who might be considered adversaries. It challenges us to exhaust all avenues for peaceful resolution before resorting to more drastic measures, reflecting a heart aligned with God's desire for _shalom_. In our personal lives, this means prioritizing dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness, even when wronged. In communal or societal contexts, it calls for advocacy for justice and peace, seeking to bridge divides rather than widen them. However, the verse also acknowledges that there are times when peace is rejected, and hostility is chosen. In such cases, it reminds us that there are consequences for persistent opposition to truth and righteousness. This can manifest in setting healthy boundaries, disengaging from toxic relationships, or, in a spiritual sense, recognizing that rejection of God's offer of peace through Christ leads to inevitable judgment. We are called to be peacemakers, but also to understand the reality of spiritual warfare and the ultimate consequences of rejecting divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to be a proactive peacemaker, even when it's difficult?**
* **How does the principle of offering peace before conflict inform my approach to disagreements or strained relationships?**
* **What does it mean to acknowledge the "consequences of opposition" in a spiritual or relational sense, without resorting to literal warfare?**
* **How can I balance the pursuit of peace with the need to stand firm against unrighteousness or spiritual hostility?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse justify modern warfare or aggressive military actions by nations claiming divine mandate?**

Answer: No, this verse does not justify modern warfare or aggressive military actions by nations claiming divine mandate in the same way. The context of Deuteronomy 20:12 is specific to ancient Israel as a unique, theocratic nation under a direct covenant with God, tasked with executing His specific judgments upon the Canaanite nations for their extreme wickedness (cf. [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites")). This was a unique historical period and a unique divine commission, not a universal principle for all nations or all times. Modern nations do not operate under such a direct, explicit divine mandate for conquest. While the Bible speaks to principles of justice and the role of government (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Submission to Governing Authorities")), it does not provide a blanket justification for offensive wars or territorial expansion based on this specific Old Testament command. The New Testament emphasizes spiritual warfare for believers (e.g., [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "The Whole Armor of God")) and calls for peace and reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:12, with its stark choice between peace and war, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies both the ultimate offer of peace and the finality of divine judgment. Jesus is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Prince of Peace"), whose coming ushered in the possibility of true _shalom_—wholeness and reconciliation—between God and humanity (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). He offers terms of peace through the gospel, inviting all to surrender to His gracious reign and find rest for their souls (cf. [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Just as ancient cities faced a choice, humanity today faces the ultimate choice: to accept Christ's offer of peace and life, or to reject it and remain in rebellion. For those who reject His peace, choosing instead to "make war" against God through sin and unbelief, the consequence is not a physical siege but an ultimate spiritual judgment. Christ, who came first as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), will return as the [conquering King](/revelation/19-11 "The Rider on the White Horse"), bringing decisive judgment upon all who have refused His gracious overtures of peace, thereby fulfilling the divine mandate to establish His righteous kingdom definitively and eternally.

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.