Deuteronomy 20:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 20:15
15 Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 20 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, obedience. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 20:15
15 Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
Analysis
Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations—This verse distinguishes warfare categories: very far off (distant, non-Canaanite) versus these nations (the seven Canaanite peoples, Deuteronomy 7:1). Distant cities receive peace offers and mercy if they surrender; Canaanite cities face total herem (next verses) because their proximity threatens Israel's covenant fidelity through idolatrous influence.
Proximity determines danger—not ethnicity but spiritual contagion risk. Paul warns: Evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). The principle applies spiritually: Come out from among them, and be ye separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). We engage distant culture (missions, evangelism) but guard against intimate spiritual compromise (close fellowship with unbelief). Jesus ate with sinners (evangelism) but didn't adopt their practices (sanctification).
Historical Context
Israel's geographical position between Egypt and Mesopotamia meant frequent interaction with distant empires (Assyria, Babylon, Persia). God's law permitted peaceful relations with distant nations while requiring complete separation from neighboring Canaanites whose religious practices posed immediate, daily temptation.
Reflection
- How do you distinguish 'distant' engagement (missions, evangelism) from 'neighboring' compromise (intimate fellowship with unbelief)?
- What modern 'Canaanite' influences (entertainment, relationships, philosophies) are dangerously 'near' and require radical separation?
- How did Jesus model engaging sinners (distant) while maintaining holiness (separation from sin)?