Deuteronomy 20:12

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

11If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.

13When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword.

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