Deuteronomy 20:12

12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

Deuteronomy 20:12 in Other Translations

12 And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:

12 But if it makes no peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.

12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

12 But if they don't settle for peace and insist on war, then go ahead and attack.

12 And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:

12 If they won't accept your offer of peace but declare war on you, set up a blockade around the city.

12 However, if it does not make peace with you but wages war against you, lay siege to it.

12 But suppose they refuse your offer of peace and prepare for battle. Then surround that city. Get ready to attack it.

Deuteronomy 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 20:12

And if it will make no peace with thee
Will not accept of terms of peace offered:

but will make war against thee;
come out and fight, or prepare to defend themselves: then thou shall besiege it; surround and block it up on all sides with their forces; the Jews say only on three sides, leaving one for any to flee and make their escape if they thought fit; (See Gill on Numbers 31:7).

Deuteronomy 20:12 In-Context

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.

11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.

12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.

13 When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it.

14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the LORD your God gives you from your enemies.