Deuteronomy 20:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:10 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:10 instructs that when the Israelites approach a city to make war against it, they must first offer terms of peace to that city. This means that before any fighting begins, there is an opportunity for the city to accept peace instead of facing battle.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The context is a set of laws about warfare, specifically how the Israelites are to treat cities that are not part of the land God is giving them directly. The verse shows that the Israelites are commanded to seek a peaceful resolution before resorting to violence, highlighting a principle of restraint and mercy even in times of war.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:10

• The word “proclaim” comes from קָרָא (qara), which means to call out or announce. Here, it emphasizes a formal, public offer of peace, not just a private suggestion.
• The word “peace” is שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which carries the sense of wholeness, safety, and well-being, not just the absence of fighting. The offer is for a genuine, stable relationship, not merely a temporary ceasefire.
• The word “fight” is לָחַם (lacham), which means to do battle or wage war. The instruction is specifically about situations where conflict seems likely, but peace is still to be offered first.

Why Deuteronomy 20:10 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites were not to attack cities without first giving them a chance to accept peace, countering the idea that ancient warfare was always ruthless or indiscriminate.
• The command to “proclaim peace” reveals an emphasis on justice and mercy, even in the context of war, which stands out in the ancient world.
• In the wider passage, this instruction sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which details both the ethics and the limits of warfare for the Israelites.