Thus shalt thou doe vnto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations. Deuteronomy 20:15 (KJV)
“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.
The Book of Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses and records his final speeches to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River. It serves as a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel and provides instructions for righteous living, worship, and social justice. It restates the covenant, outlines laws for worship and community life, and includes directives for military conduct.
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. The passage stresses reliance on God, the prohibition against fear, and specific procedures to follow during a campaign.
In verses 10‑14, God instructs the Israelites on how to approach cities that are not part of the Canaanite nations occupying the Promised Land. 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. If the city refused peace, they were to besiege it and conquer it.
Deuteronomy 20:15 addresses the treatment of cities located far away and not part of the nations occupying the Promised Land. This verse indicates that the instructions in verses 10‑14 apply to such cities. In contrast, for cities within the Promised Land belonging to the Canaanite nations (as detailed in verses 16‑18), the Israelites were instructed to destroy all inhabitants without offering peace. Rather than destroying every inhabitant, the Israelites were instructed not to annihilate the populations completely. Certain peoples—such as the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—were to be left alive to serve the Israelites, while other nations were to be driven out.
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.
When interpreting this passage 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. When interpreting this passage today, it is helpful to consider its ancient Near‑Eastern setting and the particular covenantal purposes it served.
Readers are encouraged to consult reputable commentaries, seek insight from knowledgeable teachers, and pray for discernment as they study the broader biblical themes of love, justice, and peace.
