Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
This is how you should treat all the cities that are far away from you, which don't belong to the nations around you.
This verse is giving instructions about how to handle distant cities that aren't part of the nearby nations.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving the Israelites laws for warfare as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land, emphasizing God's directives for dealing with enemy cities. This verse specifically instructs on how to handle distant cities not belonging to the Canaanite nations, allowing for offers of peace rather than total annihilation, which contrasts with the treatment of local idolatrous peoples. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's judgment on persistent sin while providing guidelines for mercy toward outsiders.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.