Deuteronomy 20:12 - If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 20:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 20:12 is part of the laws of war in the Old Testament. Let's break down its meaning:
"If it will make no peace with you...": This refers to a city that refuses to accept the terms of peace offered by the Israelites.
"...but will make war against you...": This clarifies that the city is not only refusing peace, but actively engaging in hostile actions against the Israelites.
"...then you shall besiege it.": This outlines the appropriate course of action. A siege is a military tactic where an army surrounds a city, cutting off its supplies and reinforcements, with the goal of forcing its surrender through starvation or attrition.
In essence, the verse means that if a city refuses a peace offering and instead chooses to fight, the Israelites are then authorized to lay siege to that city.
Key Takeaways and Context:
Peace First: This chapter of Deuteronomy emphasizes offering peace first before resorting to warfare. This suggests a preference for peaceful resolution when possible.
Just War Principles: Some scholars interpret this chapter as laying down principles for "just war." While war is seen as a sometimes necessary evil, it should only be undertaken after exhausting other options (like offering peace).
Specific to the Time: It's important to understand this law within its historical and cultural context. Warfare in the ancient world was often brutal, and this law attempts to regulate it to some degree.
Siege Warfare: Sieges were a common tactic in ancient warfare. They were often prolonged and resulted in significant suffering for the besieged population.
Therefore, while this verse deals with warfare, its broader message highlights the importance of seeking peaceful solutions before engaging in conflict. It also sets a precedent for outlining specific guidelines and ethical considerations even within the context of war.
Deuteronomy 20:12 - If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it.
What does "Deuteronomy 20:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 20:12 is part of the laws of war in the Old Testament. Let's break down its meaning:
"If it will make no peace with you...": This refers to a city that refuses to accept the terms of peace offered by the Israelites.
"...but will make war against you...": This clarifies that the city is not only refusing peace, but actively engaging in hostile actions against the Israelites.
"...then you shall besiege it.": This outlines the appropriate course of action. A siege is a military tactic where an army surrounds a city, cutting off its supplies and reinforcements, with the goal of forcing its surrender through starvation or attrition.
In essence, the verse means that if a city refuses a peace offering and instead chooses to fight, the Israelites are then authorized to lay siege to that city.
Key Takeaways and Context:
Peace First: This chapter of Deuteronomy emphasizes offering peace first before resorting to warfare. This suggests a preference for peaceful resolution when possible.
Just War Principles: Some scholars interpret this chapter as laying down principles for "just war." While war is seen as a sometimes necessary evil, it should only be undertaken after exhausting other options (like offering peace).
Specific to the Time: It's important to understand this law within its historical and cultural context. Warfare in the ancient world was often brutal, and this law attempts to regulate it to some degree.
Siege Warfare: Sieges were a common tactic in ancient warfare. They were often prolonged and resulted in significant suffering for the besieged population.
Therefore, while this verse deals with warfare, its broader message highlights the importance of seeking peaceful solutions before engaging in conflict. It also sets a precedent for outlining specific guidelines and ethical considerations even within the context of war.