Deuteronomy 20:13

When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword.

Study Bible

When the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and active involvement of God in the affairs of Israel. The Hebrew name for God here is "Yahweh," which signifies His eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. The phrase underscores the belief that God is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in guiding and delivering His people. Historically, this reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was seen as the ultimate ruler and commander.

has delivered it into your hand
The phrase "delivered it into your hand" is a common biblical expression denoting victory granted by divine intervention. The Hebrew root "nathan" (to give) is used here, indicating that the victory is a gift from God, not merely the result of human effort. This reflects the biblical theme that success in battle is attributed to God's will and power, reinforcing the idea that Israel's military conquests were part of a divine plan.

you must put every male to the sword
This command reflects the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare, where total destruction of the enemy was often practiced to prevent future retaliation and to ensure complete victory. The phrase "put to the sword" is a translation of the Hebrew "harag," meaning to kill or destroy. From a conservative Christian perspective, this directive is understood within the framework of divine justice and the specific historical context of Israel's conquest of Canaan. It is seen as a means of purging the land of idolatry and wickedness, fulfilling God's promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. This difficult passage is often interpreted as a unique command for a specific time and purpose, not a general principle for all warfare.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands and guides His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions for warfare as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Canaanite Cities
The cities in the Promised Land that the Israelites are commanded to conquer.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's laws and instructions to the people.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

Divine Sovereignty
Recognize that God is sovereign over nations and history. His commands, even those that are difficult to understand, are part of His divine plan.

Holiness and Judgment
Understand that the command to destroy the Canaanite cities was part of God's judgment on their sin and a call for Israel to remain holy and separate from pagan practices.

Obedience to God
Reflect on the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they are challenging or counter-cultural.

Spiritual Warfare
Consider the spiritual application of this passage, recognizing that Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare against sin and evil, using the "sword of the Spirit," which is the Word of God.

New Covenant Perspective
Balance the Old Testament commands with the teachings of Jesus, who calls His followers to love their enemies and seek peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Deuteronomy 20:13 help us interpret its meaning for the Israelites?

2. In what ways does the command in Deuteronomy 20:13 reflect God's holiness and justice?

3. How can we reconcile the command for warfare in Deuteronomy with Jesus' teachings on loving our enemies?

4. What lessons can we learn about obedience to God from the Israelites' conquest of Canaan?

5. How can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare in our daily lives, using the "sword of the Spirit" as described in Ephesians 6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6
The conquest of Jericho, where the Israelites follow God's command to destroy the city, illustrating the fulfillment of the instructions given in Deuteronomy.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, showing the continuation of divine instructions for warfare.

Romans 13
Discusses the role of government and authority, providing a New Testament perspective on justice and divine order.

Matthew 5
Jesus' teachings on loving enemies, offering a contrast to Old Testament warfare commands and highlighting the new covenant's emphasis on love and forgiveness.