Deuteronomy 20:15 - War rules for distant cities?

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 20:15) appears in the context of the laws governing warfare, specifically distinguishing between the treatment of cities belonging to the seven Canaanite nations and those of distant nations. The Torah mandates different rules for each, as elaborated in the surrounding verses.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 20:15) clarifies that this verse refers to optional wars (milchemet reshut), as opposed to obligatory wars (milchemet mitzvah) like those against the seven Canaanite nations. He explains that for distant cities, the Torah permits taking spoils and offering terms of peace, unlike the strict mandate to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations (as stated in Devarim 20:16-18).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (6:1), the Rambam codifies this distinction, ruling that for distant cities (arim harachokot), one must first offer peace terms before engaging in battle. If they accept terms like paying tribute and accepting the seven Noahide laws, they are spared. Only if they refuse does war ensue. This contrasts with the Canaanite nations, where no peace terms are offered.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 15) connects this verse to the broader ethical framework of Jewish warfare. It emphasizes that even in war, there are boundaries—distinctions must be made between those who pose an existential threat (the Canaanite nations) and those who do not (distant cities). This reflects the Torah's balance between justice and compassion.

Ibn Ezra's Grammatical Note

Ibn Ezra highlights the phrase "הָרְחֹקֹת מִמְּךָ מְאֹד" ("very far off from thee"), noting that the emphasis on distance serves a practical purpose: these cities are not immediate neighbors and thus do not pose the same cultural or spiritual threat as the Canaanite nations, who could lead Bnei Yisrael astray (Devarim 20:18).

Practical Implications

• Peace First: The verse teaches that diplomacy must precede warfare for non-Canaanite cities, reinforcing the value of pursuing peace (darchei shalom).
• Moral Distinction: The Torah differentiates between enemies based on proximity and spiritual influence, not arbitrary cruelty.
• Historical Context: This law applied primarily during the conquest of Eretz Yisrael and the era of Jewish sovereignty, as discussed in the Talmud (Sotah 44b).