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Deuteronomy 20:11 - Peaceful conquest brings servitude?

Deuteronomy 20:11 - דברים 20:11

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁלוֹם תַּעַנְךָ וּפָתְחָה לָךְ וְהָיָה כָּל־הָעָם הַנִּמְצָא־בָהּ יִהְיוּ לְךָ לָמַס וַעֲבָדוּךָ׃

English Translation

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open to thee, then it shall be, that all the people to be found in it shall be tributaries to thee, and they shall serve thee.

Transliteration

Vehaya im-shalom taancha uftacha lach vehaya kol-ha'am hanimtza-vah yihyu lecha lamas va'avaducha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֙ אִם־שָׁל֣וֹם תַּֽעַנְךָ֔ וּפָתְחָ֖ה לָ֑ךְ וְהָיָ֞ה כׇּל־הָעָ֣ם הַנִּמְצָא־בָ֗הּ יִהְי֥וּ לְךָ֛ לָמַ֖ס וַעֲבָדֽוּךָ׃
וְהָיָה֙ אִם־שָׁל֣וֹם תַּֽעַנְךָ֔ וּפָתְחָ֖ה לָ֑ךְ וְהָיָ֞ה כׇּל־הָעָ֣ם הַנִּמְצָא־בָ֗הּ יִהְי֥וּ לְךָ֛ לָמַ֖ס וַעֲבָדֽוּךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 20:11) appears in the context of the laws governing warfare, specifically when Bnei Yisrael approach a city to offer terms of peace before engaging in battle. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on pursuing peace whenever possible, even in times of war.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁלוֹם תַּעַנְךָ" ("if it make thee answer of peace") means the city responds affirmatively to your peace offer. The term "תַּעַנְךָ" (from the root ענה) implies a verbal response, indicating they accept the terms. Rashi further clarifies that "יִהְיוּ לְךָ לָמַס" ("shall be tributaries to thee") refers to a tax or tribute imposed upon them, while "וַעֲבָדוּךָ" ("and they shall serve thee") means they become subservient to Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective (Hilchot Melachim)

In Hilchot Melachim (6:1), Rambam codifies this law, stating that when a non-Canaanite city accepts terms of peace, its inhabitants must accept the Seven Noahide Laws and pay tribute. They are not to be killed, but rather become "עבדים למס" (servants who pay taxes). This demonstrates the Torah's distinction between obligatory wars (like against the Canaanites) and discretionary wars, where peace is prioritized.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 15) connects this concept to the broader Jewish value of דרכי שלום (ways of peace). It teaches that even in warfare, one must first extend an offer of peace, as derived from this verse. The Midrash emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not destruction, but bringing nations under the wings of Divine service through peaceful means when possible.

Halachic Implications

  • The verse establishes the protocol for מלחמת רשות (discretionary wars) - peace must be offered before attacking.
  • The Ramban notes that the tribute and servitude are meant to maintain the subdued nation's recognition of Jewish sovereignty, not as cruel oppression.
  • Tosafot (Gittin 46a) discusses how this law applies differently to nations descended from the original Canaanites versus other nations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:11 mean when it says 'if it make thee answer of peace'?
A: This verse refers to the laws of war in the Torah. Rashi explains that before attacking a city outside of Israel, the Jewish people must first offer terms of peace ('answer of peace'). If the city accepts, its inhabitants become tributaries (paying taxes) rather than being conquered by force.
Q: Why is offering peace before war important in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) teaches that offering peace first demonstrates the Torah's value of pursuing peace whenever possible. Even in wartime, we must give others the chance to avoid bloodshed by accepting peaceful terms, showing compassion even to enemies.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 20:11 apply to Jewish life today?
A: While these laws specifically apply to wars fought by the Jewish nation, the principle teaches us to always seek peaceful resolutions first. The Talmud (Gittin 55b) derives from this that we should strive for compromise and peaceful solutions in all conflicts, following the Torah's emphasis on the value of peace (shalom).