What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:12? But if they refuse to make peace with you • Moses has just instructed Israel to “proclaim peace” to a besieged city (Deuteronomy 20:10-11). The verse now considers the scenario in which that offer is rejected. • God’s law puts the burden on Israel to seek reconciliation first; hostility is never the initial posture. See the earlier pattern with Edom (Numbers 20:14-21) and the Gibeonites’ proactive treaty in Joshua 9:3-15. • When a city “refuses,” it deliberately turns down God’s gracious provision for survival and coexistence, echoing Proverbs 29:1, which warns of the danger of repeatedly hardening one’s heart. and wage war against you • Refusal becomes active aggression. Israel is not attacking out of ambition but responding to a declared enemy (Psalm 120:7). • Just defense is assumed throughout Scripture: Abraham rescued Lot from hostile kings (Genesis 14:14-16); the Lord empowered Gideon when Midian oppressed Israel (Judges 6:12-16). • By tying military action to the enemy’s initiative, God limits Israel’s warfare to righteous causes, foreshadowing New Testament teaching that governments “bear the sword” to restrain evil (Romans 13:4). lay siege to that city • Siege warfare, though severe, is measured and orderly, contrasting with the pagan practice of indiscriminate slaughter (2 Kings 3:26-27). • Israel is to surround, cut off supplies, and press for surrender rather than rush in blindly (see Deuteronomy 20:13-14). Even judgment allows time for reflection and repentance, paralleling God’s patience in 2 Peter 3:9. • This action underscores the covenant promise that obedience brings victory (Deuteronomy 28:7) and that God Himself stands with His people in battle (1 Samuel 17:45-47). summary Deuteronomy 20:12 affirms a clear progression: offer peace, recognize hostile intent, then carry out measured warfare under God’s authority. The verse safeguards righteousness in conflict, demonstrating God’s justice and mercy even in judgment. |
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