Deuteronomy 20:11

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Context

Deuteronomy 20 lays out specific laws for Israel's conduct in warfare as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter differentiates between two types of cities: those within the land God was giving them, and those "far off" from them. Verse 11 falls under the regulations for cities *outside* the immediate inheritance of Israel. Before commencing a siege, the Israelites were commanded to first offer terms of peace to these distant cities. This specific law highlights God's desire for a less violent outcome when possible, contrasting with the complete destruction commanded for certain Canaanite nations due to their extreme wickedness (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

Key Themes

  • Conditional Warfare: The verse reveals a nuanced approach to conquest, where the outcome depended on the enemy's response. It wasn't always about total annihilation.
  • The Offer of Peace: Even in a military context, God commanded Israel to extend an opportunity for peace. This demonstrates a divine principle that peace should be sought before force, where appropriate.
  • Tribute and Service: If peace was accepted, the inhabitants would become "tributaries" (paying taxes or performing forced labor) and "serve" Israel. This ensured Israel's dominance and provided resources without needing to exterminate the population.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Ultimately, these laws reflect God's authority over nations and His specific instructions for His chosen people in establishing their kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "answer of peace" translates the Hebrew word shalom (שָלֹום), which means more than just the absence of conflict. Shalom encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and completeness. Thus, an "answer of peace" implied an acceptance of Israel's terms, leading to a state of non-aggression and subservience rather than destruction. The term "tributaries" comes from mas (מָס), referring to forced labor or levy, while "serve" is 'abad (עָבָד), meaning to work or be enslaved, reinforcing the subordinate status.

Practical Application

While these laws are specific to ancient Israel's unique historical context and their role in establishing a physical kingdom, the underlying principles offer enduring insights:

  • Prioritizing Peace: Even when facing conflict, the Bible often emphasizes seeking peaceful resolutions when possible. This resonates with New Testament teachings like Romans 12:18, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
  • Understanding God's Justice: This passage reminds us that God's justice is multifaceted. While He commanded severe judgment for certain peoples, He also provided options for less severe outcomes based on repentance or submission.
  • Authority and Submission: The concept of tribute and service, while culturally specific, points to the broader biblical theme of acknowledging authority and the consequences of submission or rebellion.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 9:27 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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