Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 20:10
When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses instructs the Israelite army on military protocol before they enter the promised land. The command is issued after officers address the troops and commanders are appointed for the campaign.
The words — The text uses תִקְרַ֣ב (tik.Rav), meaning "you will draw near," to describe the approach to the city. It then employs וְ/קָרָ֥אתָ (ve./ka.Ra.ta), meaning "and you will proclaim," to mandate the peace offer.
The thread — This mandate for proactive peace parallels the New Testament practice of initiating reconciliation, as seen in Luke 10:5, 2 Corinthians 5:18, and Ephesians 2:17.
Why it lands — The verse requires military leaders to attempt diplomatic resolution before engaging in combat. It establishes peace as the mandatory first step, not an optional courtesy.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
Cross-references
- Luke 10:5 Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’
- 2 Corinthians 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
- Ephesians 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
- 2 Samuel 20:18 Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.
- Isaiah 57:19 bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”
- Zechariah 9:10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
- Acts 10:36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.