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Then, when the officers have finished speaking,[a] they must appoint unit commanders[b] to lead the troops.

10 When you approach a city to wage war against it, offer it terms of peace. 11 If it accepts your terms[c] and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves.[d]

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 20:9 tn The Hebrew text includes “to the people,” but this phrase has not been included in the translation for stylistic reasons.
  2. Deuteronomy 20:9 tn Heb “princes of hosts.”
  3. Deuteronomy 20:11 tn Heb “if it answers you peace.”
  4. Deuteronomy 20:11 tn Heb “become as a vassal and will serve you.” The Hebrew term translated slaves (מַס, mas) refers either to Israelites who were pressed into civil service, especially under Solomon (1 Kgs 5:13; 9:15, 21; 12:18), or (as here) to foreigners forced as prisoners of war to become slaves to Israel. The Gibeonites exemplify this type of servitude (Josh 9:3-27; cf. Josh 16:10; 17:13; Judg 1:28, 30-35; Isa 31:8; Lam 1:1).

When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace.(A) 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject(B) to forced labor(C) and shall work for you.

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