Deuteronomy 20:10

When thou comest nigh unto a city to make war against it, then summon it with words of peace.

Leeser Tanakh

In The King James Version

When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

In Context

9And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall appoint captains of the armies at the head of the people.

11And it shall be, if it make thee an answer of peace, and open [its gates] unto thee: then shall it be, that all the people that are found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.

Read all of Deuteronomy 20

Cross References

Deuteronomy 2:26And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sichon, the king of Cheshbon, with words of peace, saying,

2 Samuel 20:18Then said she, thus, They ought surely first to have spoken, saying, “Let them ask at least in Abel:” and so would they have come to an end.

Zechariah 9:10And I will cut off chariots from Ephraim, and horses from Jerusalem, and there shall be cut off the battle-bow, and he shall speak peace unto the nations; and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.

Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 20:2-10

Directions Concerning War; Persons Excused from War. ( b. c. 1451.) 1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, 3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Deuteronomy 20:10