Deuteronomy 20:11
And if it gives you back an answer of peace, opening its doors to you, then all the people in it may be put to forced work as your servants.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
In Context
10When you come to a town, before attacking it, make an offer of peace.
12If however it will not make peace with you, but war, then let it be shut in on all sides:
Cross References
Joshua 9:9And they said to him, Your servants have come from a very far country, because of the name of the Lord your God: for the story of his great name, and of all he did in Egypt has come to our ears,
Joshua 9:27And that day Joshua made them servants, cutting wood and getting water for the people and for the altar of the Lord, in the place marked out by him, to this day.
Joshua 16:10And the Canaanites who were living in Gezer were not forced out; but the Canaanites have been living among Ephraim, to this day, as servants, doing forced work.
Judges 1:30Zebulun did not make the people of Kitron or the people of Nahalol go out; but the Canaanites went on living among them and were put to forced work.
1 Kings 9:21Their children who were still in the land, and whom the children of Israel had not been able to put to complete destruction, them did Solomon put to forced work, to this day.
Luke 19:14But his people had no love for him, and sent representatives after him, saying, We will not have this man for our ruler.
Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 20:11-20
Proclamations of War; Directions Concerning War. ( b. c. 1451.) 10 When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. 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. 12 And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it: 13 And when the Lord thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou… Read the whole commentary →