Deuteronomy 20:10 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

When you approach a city to fight against it, first offer them peace.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is instructing His people to always try diplomacy and offer peaceful surrender before engaging in warfare.

📚 Historical Context

This verse is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites about how to conduct warfare as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. These were divine laws given around 1400 BC to govern military campaigns against cities outside their promised territory. The instruction emphasized mercy and gave enemies a chance to avoid destruction through peaceful surrender.

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I and all the people with me will approach the city. When they come out to fight us like they did before, we will run away from them.

Judges 20:24

The Israelites approached to fight against the tribe of Benjamin on the second day.

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