Deuteronomy 20:12
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַשְׁלִים֙
And if it will make no peace
H7999
תַשְׁלִים֙
And if it will make no peace
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
3 of 9
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
עִמָּ֔ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְעָֽשְׂתָ֥ה
with thee but will make
H6213
וְעָֽשְׂתָ֥ה
with thee but will make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִמְּךָ֖
H5973
עִמְּךָ֖
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 9
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
Historical Context
Ancient sieges lasted months or years (Samaria's siege lasted three years, 2 Kings 17:5). Attackers built earthworks, battering rams, and blockades. Defenders endured starvation, disease, and despair. God's requirement to offer peace first meant sieges occurred only against hardened enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's patience (offering peace before siege) both comfort you regarding His mercy and warn you about presuming upon it?
- What 'sieges' (prolonged spiritual warfare, persistent temptations) must you endure because the enemy refuses surrender?
- How does Revelation 3:20 (Christ knocking) show His merciful offer before the final siege (judgment)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it—Rejection of peace justifies siege. The Hebrew tsur (צוּר, 'bind, besiege, confine') pictures surrounding the city, cutting off supplies until starvation forces surrender. This was protracted, costly warfare—final resort after peace offered and refused.
God Himself practices this principle: I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). Yet persistent rebellion necessitates judgment. Revelation depicts Christ's final siege: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him (Revelation 3:20)—but those refusing entry face ultimate siege: The wicked shall be turned into hell (Psalm 9:17). God's patience exhausts only after extended opportunity.