Deuteronomy 20:15

“And 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 verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 20 that provides instructions to the Israelites regarding warfare and conquest as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In this specific verse, God outlines the approach the Israelites should take when dealing with cities that are located far away and not part of the nations inhabiting the land.

To better understand the context and significance of this verse, let’s explore the surrounding verses and the themes within the passage.

Context: The Book of Deuteronomy is attributed to Moses and contains his final addresses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel and provides instructions for righteous living, worship, and social justice.

Instructions for warfare: Deuteronomy 20:1-20 presents guidelines for various scenarios of war, including battles against nations living in the Promised Land. It emphasizes the importance of trust in God, avoiding fear, and following specific protocols during warfare.

Offering peace to nearby cities: In verses 10-14, God instructs the Israelites on how to approach cities that are close by and part of the Canaanite nations. They were to offer terms of peace before engaging in battle. If the city accepted the terms, its inhabitants would become subject to forced labor and pay tribute to Israel. However, if the city refused peace, they were to besiege it and conquer it.

Treatment of distant cities: Deuteronomy 20:15 addresses the treatment of cities located far away and not part of the nations occupying the Promised Land. Unlike the nearby cities, these distant cities were not initially subject to Israel’s terms of peace. The verse doesn’t provide specific instructions on how to deal with them, but it implies that the Israelites were not obligated to offer peace to these cities as they did with the cities in the Promised Land.

In essence, this verse conveys that the Israelites were not required to extend peace terms to cities far away and outside the scope of the nations inhabiting the Promised Land. It implies that the Israelites could engage in warfare against these distant cities without first offering peace. However, it’s important to note that the verse doesn’t promote aggression or unjust war. The overall context of Deuteronomy emphasizes righteous conduct and adherence to God’s commands.

Interpreting the verse today, it is essential to remember that the Bible provides historical and cultural context for a specific time and place. It is important to approach these passages with an understanding of their original purpose while considering the overarching principles of love, justice, and peace that resonate throughout the entirety of Scripture.

As with any Bible study, it is beneficial to consult trusted commentaries, seek guidance from spiritual leaders, and engage in prayerful reflection when seeking a deeper understanding of the Word of God.