Chapter Summary
This chapter outlines the rules for the Israelites when they go to war. It begins by encouraging them not to be afraid of larger enemy armies, reminding them that God will fight for them. Before battle, certain men are allowed to return home: those who have built a new house, planted a new vineyard, or are recently engaged, as well as anyone who is too fearful to fight. The chapter then details how to approach enemy cities. For distant cities, the Israelites are instructed to offer peace first; if peace is accepted, the city's inhabitants will become subjects who pay tribute and serve them. If peace is refused, the city is to be conquered, and all males are to be killed, but women, children, and possessions can be taken as spoils. However, for cities within the land God promised to Israel, the command is to completely destroy every living thing to prevent the Israelites from learning their detestable practices and worshipping other gods. Finally, the chapter includes a specific rule for siege warfare, forbidding the destruction of fruit-bearing trees, as they are a source of food, but allowing the cutting down of non-fruit trees for building siege works.