Deuteronomy 20:11 - It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you.
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What does "Deuteronomy 20:11" mean?
Deuteronomy 20 outlines the laws of warfare for the Israelites. Verse 11 describes what should happen when a city outside of Canaan responds to an offer of peace:
"It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you..." - This means if the city agrees to the terms of peace offered by the Israelites and opens its gates to them willingly.
"...then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you." - If the city surrenders peacefully, the inhabitants are to become forced laborers or servants of the Israelites. They would not be killed, but their freedom would be lost.
In essence, this verse specifies that if a city outside of Canaan accepts a peace treaty, its inhabitants are to be subjugated and made to serve the Israelites as forced laborers.
It's important to note that interpretations of this verse and the entire chapter vary widely depending on religious and ethical perspectives. Some see it as a reflection of the brutal realities of ancient warfare, while others interpret it within a broader theological context of God's plan for Israel and the world.
Deuteronomy 20:11 - It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you.
What does "Deuteronomy 20:11" mean?
Deuteronomy 20 outlines the laws of warfare for the Israelites. Verse 11 describes what should happen when a city outside of Canaan responds to an offer of peace:
"It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you..." - This means if the city agrees to the terms of peace offered by the Israelites and opens its gates to them willingly.
"...then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you." - If the city surrenders peacefully, the inhabitants are to become forced laborers or servants of the Israelites. They would not be killed, but their freedom would be lost.
In essence, this verse specifies that if a city outside of Canaan accepts a peace treaty, its inhabitants are to be subjugated and made to serve the Israelites as forced laborers.
It's important to note that interpretations of this verse and the entire chapter vary widely depending on religious and ethical perspectives. Some see it as a reflection of the brutal realities of ancient warfare, while others interpret it within a broader theological context of God's plan for Israel and the world.