Deuteronomy 20:10 - War or peace first?

Deuteronomy 20:10 - דברים 20:10

Hebrew Text

כִּי־תִקְרַב אֶל־עִיר לְהִלָּחֵם עָלֶיהָ וְקָרָאתָ אֵלֶיהָ לְשָׁלוֹם׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Ki-tikrav el-ir lehilachem aleha vekarata eleha leshalom.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־תִקְרַ֣ב אֶל־עִ֔יר לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם עָלֶ֑יהָ וְקָרָ֥אתָ אֵלֶ֖יהָ לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 20:10) appears in the section discussing the laws of warfare, specifically outlining the proper conduct when approaching an enemy city. This mitzvah applies to a milchemet reshut (optional war), as opposed to a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war, such as against Amalek or the seven Canaanite nations), where peace overtures are not permitted (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:1).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the Torah commands offering terms of peace before besieging a city, even if the eventual terms require the inhabitants to accept tributary status and subjugation. This demonstrates the Torah's value of pursuing peace before resorting to war. Rashi further notes that this mitzvah applies even if it is known in advance that the enemy will refuse the offer, as the process itself is a fulfillment of the Divine command.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) elaborates on the procedure: The Jewish army must first call the city to peace under the conditions of accepting the Seven Noahide Laws and paying tribute. If they refuse, only then may war be waged. Rambam emphasizes that this process applies even to cities outside of Eretz Yisrael, showing the universal ethical principles in Jewish warfare.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 15) connects this mitzvah to the concept of darchei noam (pleasant ways), teaching that even in war, one must begin with peaceful overtures.
  • Sifrei Devarim (199) notes that this commandment reflects the attribute of mercy, as Hashem desires peace even amidst conflict.

Philosophical Implications

The Kli Yakar highlights that this mitzvah teaches that war should never be the first option. Even when conflict is necessary, every opportunity for peaceful resolution must be exhausted. This principle has been codified as fundamental to Jewish military ethics throughout history.

Contemporary Application

Modern poskim discuss how this principle might apply to modern warfare situations, noting that while the specific halachot of siege warfare may not directly apply, the underlying values of exhausting peaceful options and maintaining ethical conduct in war remain binding (Rav Shaul Yisraeli, Amud HaYemini).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of warfare, particularly the requirement to offer peace before attacking a city.
📖 Gittin 46a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ethical conduct in war and the importance of offering peace terms before engaging in battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:10 mean about offering peace before battle?
A: Deuteronomy 20:10 teaches that before attacking a city, the Jewish people must first offer terms of peace (Rashi, Deuteronomy 20:10). This shows that war should never be the first option, and peaceful resolution should always be attempted first (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:1).
Q: Why is offering peace important in Jewish warfare?
A: Offering peace demonstrates that war is only a last resort in Jewish tradition. The Torah values human life and peaceful coexistence, even with potential enemies (Talmud, Sanhedrin 96a). This principle teaches that conflict resolution should always begin with diplomacy.
Q: What conditions must be met for a city to accept the peace offer?
A: According to Jewish law, the city must agree to accept the Seven Noahide Laws and pay tribute (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:1). If they accept these terms, they become tributaries and are not harmed. Only if they refuse does battle commence.
Q: How does this verse apply to conflicts today?
A: While this verse specifically discusses ancient warfare, the principle applies today: we must always seek peaceful solutions before conflict (Midrash Tanchuma, Shoftim 15). The Torah's value of pursuing peace (דִּרְשׁוּ שָׁלוֹם) remains a fundamental Jewish ethic in all interpersonal and international relations.
Q: Does this law apply to all cities or just specific ones?
A: This commandment applies specifically to optional wars (milchemet reshut) against distant cities. For the seven Canaanite nations and Amalek, peace was not offered because of their extreme wickedness and danger to Israel's spiritual mission (Rashi, Deuteronomy 20:15-16; Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:1).

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