Deuteronomy 20:12

If however it will not make peace with you, but war, then let it be shut in on all sides:

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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

In Context

11And 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.

13And when the Lord your God has given it into your hands, let every male in it be put to death without mercy.

Read all of Deuteronomy 20

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 →

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Study Deuteronomy 20:12