20 verses
Deuteronomy 20 instructs Israel on conduct in war, giving encouragement, rules for surrender and spoils, and commands to utterly destroy certain peoples.
The chapter begins with reassurance that God accompanies Israel in battle, urging soldiers not to fear horses, chariots, or overwhelming enemies. Officers advise men to leave their homes to complete unfinished tasks—dedicating a house, harvesting a vineyard, or marrying—so they survive. The text then sets out protocols: cities offering peace become tributaries; if they resist, they are besieged and, once conquered, all males are killed while women, children, animals, and property become spoils. For cities belonging to the nations Israel inherited, God commands total annihilation of all living inhabitants to prevent adopting their abominations. Finally, the law instructs that while besieging a city, trees should be spared for sustenance, but those useless for food may be cut down to aid siege works.
mixed
The chapter combines encouragement with harsh military commands, reflecting a complex stance on divine warfare.