And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And if it will make no peace with thee,.... Will not accept of terms of peace offered:
but will make war against thee; come out and fight, or prepare to defend themselves: then thou shall besiege…
Directions intended to prevent wanton destruction of life and property in sieges. Deu 20:16 Forbearance, however, was not to be shown toward the Canaanite nations, which were to be utterly…
They are here directed what method to take in dealing with the cities (these only are mentioned, Deu 20:10, but doubtless the armies in the field, and the nations they had occasion to deal with, are…
Cambridge Bible
But if it will make no peace with thee … thou shalt besiege, i.e. confineor blockade it.