Deuteronomy 20:10-16 Blessings and Curses

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.

11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.

12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

13 When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it.

14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the Lord your God gives you from your enemies.

15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.

16 However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes.

Read the full chapter Deuteronomy 20

Meaning of Deuteronomy 20:10-16

Deuteronomy 20:10 exemplifies God's call for His people to pursue peace before engaging in conflict. It underscores a divine preference for reconciliation and mercy, highlighting that even in times of warfare, the heart of God yearns for restoration and shalom, guiding us toward love and harmony first.

Cross References for Deuteronomy 20:10-16

Isaiah 57:19 - creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” sa... Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:19 Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:19

Zechariah 9:10 - I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bo... Click to read the verse Zechariah 9:10 Click to read the verse Zechariah 9:10

Acts 10:36 - You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through J... Click to read the verse Acts 10:36 Click to read the verse Acts 10:36

Luke 10:5-6 - “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ Click to read the verse Luke 10:5-6 Click to read the verse Luke 10:5-6

2 Samuel 20:18-22 - She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 20:18-22 Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 20:18-22

Ephesians 2:17 - He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. Click to read the verse Ephesians 2:17 Click to read the verse Ephesians 2:17

2 Corinthians 5:18-1 - All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of r... Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 5:18-1 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 5:18-1

Judges 20:12 - The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What about this awful ... Click to read the verse Judges 20:12 Click to read the verse Judges 20:12

Judges 21:13 - Then the whole assembly sent an offer of peace to the Benjamites at the rock of Rimmon. Click to read the verse Judges 21:13 Click to read the verse Judges 21:13