Deuteronomy 20:12
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
DEUTERONOMY 20:12
If the city refuses peace, the instruction is to besiege it. This verse marks the boundary between peaceful settlement and active warfare. It underscores a realistic, stage-based approach to conflict, allowing for a deliberate decision about continuing or ending negotiations based on the city’s response.
Theologically, the command reflects God’s sovereignty in human conflict and righteous judgment. It acknowledges human agency and the consequences of choices, while still keeping the door open to peace when possible. It presents a morally serious frame for decisions about war and peace aligned with covenantal ethics.
Applied today, this underscores the importance of evaluating whether conflicts can be resolved peacefully and, if not, recognizing when escalation is necessary. It invites strategic, ethical planning and de-escalation where possible, with a clear framework for when to pursue defensive actions versus negotiation.
Cross-References: Matthew 26:52; James 4:2-3; Romans 12:18