Deuteronomy 20:11
And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שָׁל֣וֹם
of peace
H7965
שָׁל֣וֹם
of peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 15
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
תַּֽעַנְךָ֔
And it shall be if it make thee answer
H6030
תַּֽעַנְךָ֔
And it shall be if it make thee answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וּפָֽתְחָ֖ה
and open
H6605
וּפָֽתְחָ֖ה
and open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
5 of 15
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וְהָיָ֞ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֣ם
unto thee then it shall be that all the people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
unto thee then it shall be that all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַנִּמְצָא
that is found
H4672
הַנִּמְצָא
that is found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
יִֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Tributary relationships were common in ancient Near Eastern geopolitics—conquered cities paid taxes and provided labor while maintaining local governance. Israel's system was comparatively merciful (survival with service) versus typical ancient conquest (extermination or slavery).
Questions for Reflection
- How does becoming Christ's 'tributary' (servant after surrender) provide freedom rather than oppression?
- What does the choice (destruction or service) reveal about the gospel's demand for total allegiance?
- In what areas are you offering Christ 'tribute' (token service) rather than wholehearted submission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee—Cities accepting peace become mas (מַס, 'forced labor, tribute')—subordinate but not exterminated. This merciful alternative to total war allowed survival in exchange for service. Gibeon secured such a treaty through deception (Joshua 9:3-27), becoming woodcutters and water-carriers.
This foreshadows gospel dynamics: rebels against the King may surrender and live, entering service rather than destruction. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23). Yet surrender means slavery's exchange: Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18). We escape death-sentence by becoming Christ's bondservants—whose service is perfect freedom (Book of Common Prayer). Tribute depicts redeemed humanity serving the King who conquered us.