Deuteronomy 20 provides guidelines for warfare to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The chapter begins by addressing the situations when they would go into battle against their enemies. The priests would encourage the soldiers, reminding them not to fear or be discouraged, as God would be with them.
Next, certain exemptions were given for those who had recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or become engaged, allowing them to return home and enjoy their new blessings. Additionally, the officers would ask if anyone was fearful or lacking in faith, and those who were would also be allowed to go back home.
When besieging a city, the Israelites were instructed to offer peace terms before attacking. If the city accepted the terms, the inhabitants would become subject to forced labor. However, if the city refused, the Israelites were to lay siege and, once victorious, kill all the men. The women, children, livestock, and possessions were to be taken as spoils, but the Israelites were to destroy the cities that God had given them.
The chapter concludes by instructing the Israelites not to destroy any fruit-bearing trees during their battles, as they were valuable and not to be wasted.
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