Deuteronomy 20:11
And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.
DEUTERONOMY 20:11
If the city accepts peace, all inhabitants become Israelites’ tributaries and serve them. This reflects the ancient practice of integrating conquered peoples through covenantal subjugation and service, rooted in the broader pattern of God’s instruction for the nation’s expansion and governance. The verse shows a legal framework for post-conflict governance where peace is preferred and subjugation is formalized through tribute and service.
Theologically, the verse presents the complexity of God’s plan for nations. It reveals how Israel’s identity and responsibilities intersect with divine mandate for order, justice, and governance, even as it raises questions about power and domination. It invites reflection on how wealth and labor are integrated into a broader covenant community under God.
In contemporary terms, the principle invites careful consideration of how power, sovereignty, and alliances are handled in conflict and post-conflict contexts. It underscores the importance of fair governance, just treatment of others, and the responsible stewardship of resources in relationships that emerge after conflict.
Cross-References: Leviticus 25:39-46; Romans 15:27; 1 Peter 2:13-17