SEV Biblia, Chapter 20:10
¶ Cuando te acercares a una ciudad para combatirla, le intimarás la paz.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 20:10
Verse 10. Proclaim peace unto it.] Interpreters are greatly divided concerning the objects of this law. The text, taken in connection with the context, (see verses 15-18,) appears to state that this proclamation or offer of peace to a city is only to be understood of those cities which were situated beyond the limits of the seven anathematized nations, because these latter are commanded to be totally destroyed. Nothing can be clearer than this from the bare letter of the text, unless some of the words, taken separately, can be shown to have a different meaning. For the common interpretation, the following reasons are given. God, who knows all things, saw that they were incurable in their idolatry; that the cup of their iniquity was full; and as their Creator, Sovereign, and Judge, he determined to destroy them from off the face of the earth, "lest they should teach the Israelites to do after all their abominations," ver. 18.
After all, many plausible arguments have been brought to prove that even these seven Canaanitish nations might be received into mercy, provided they, 1. Renounced their idolatry; 2. Became subject to the Jews; and, 3.
Paid annual tribute: and that it was only in case these terms were rejected, that they were not to leave alive in such a city any thing that breathed, ver. 16.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it , etc.] This is to be understood of an arbitrary war, as Jarchi observes; which they engaged in of themselves, or were provoked to by their enemies; which was their own choice, and according to their own will and pleasure; and their conduct towards their enemies in it was different from that in a war with the seven nations, commanded by the Lord, and distinguished from it, ( Deuteronomy 20:15,16). then proclaim peace unto it ; that is, offer them terms of peace; which were, that the inhabitants of it should renounce idolatry, and become their tributaries and servants.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 10-12 - The Israelites are here directed about the nations on whom they mad war. Let this show God's grace in dealing with sinners. He proclaim peace, and beseeches them to be reconciled. Let it also show us ou duty in dealing with our brethren. Whoever are for war, we must be for peace. Of the cities given to Israel, none of their inhabitants must be left. Since it could not be expected that they should be cured of their idolatry, they would hurt Israel. These regulations are not the rule of our conduct, but Christ's law of love. The horrors of war must fil the feeling heart with anguish upon every recollection; and are proof of the wickedness of man, the power of Satan, and the just vengeance of God, who thus scourges a guilty world. But how dreadful their case wh are engaged in unequal conflict with their Maker, who will not submi to render him the easy tribute of worship and praise! Certain rui awaits them. Let neither the number nor the power of the enemies of ou souls dismay us; nor let even our own weakness cause us to tremble of to faint. The Lord will save us; but in this war let none engage whose hearts are fond of the world, or afraid of the cross and the conflict Care is here taken that in besieging cities the fruit-trees should no be destroyed. God is a better friend to man than he is to himself; an God's law consults our interests and comforts; while our own appetite and passions, which we indulge, are enemies to our welfare. Many of the Divine precepts restrain us from destroying that which is for our lif and food. The Jews understand this as forbidding all wilful waste upo any account whatsoever. Every creature of God is good; as nothing is to be refused, so nothing is to be abused. We may live to want what we carelessly waste __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
כי 3588 תקרב 7126 אל 413 עיר 5892 להלחם 3898 עליה 5921 וקראת 7121 אליה 413 לשׁלום׃ 7965
