Deuteronomy 20

5–9 Israel’s army was a “citizen’s army.” As the Israelites began to settle in Canaan, they built houses and planted vineyards; many had reasons to stay at home. So Moses instructed the officers to exempt from the fighting any Israelite whose mind and affection might be focused on something other than the battle at hand. In particular, any fearful person was to be sent home, so that he wouldn’t spread his fear among the other soldiers (verse 8).

10–15 In these verses, Moses gives instructions about attacking distant cities located outside the area that God was going to give to the Israelites. These cities were not to be totally destroyed; they were to be given a chance to sue for peace, and if they refused, only the men were to be executed. And the plunder could be kept by the Israelites for their use.

16–18 But Moses then reminded the Israelites that the Canaanite tribes living within the promised land were to be completely destroyed (see Deuteronomy 7:1–5 and comment). No Canaanite was to be left alive;⁵⁴ in this way, the Israelites would not be enticed to worship Canaanite gods (verse 18).

19–20 During their battles, the Israelites were not to wantonly harm the environment—especially the fruit trees. After all, God was giving them the land so that, among other things, they might enjoy its fruit.