Calling for Peace in the Conquest of Canaan/2

Calling for Peace

Exegetical Approaches

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No Call for Peace

There is no obligation to call for peace to the seven nations and any overtures for peace on their part are rejected.

Sources:Perhaps Sifre Devarim20About Sifre Devarim, Pesikta DeRav Kahana13:5About Pesikta DeRav Kahana, RashiBemidbar 21:22Devarim 20:10-18Sotah 35bAbout R. Shelomo Yitzchaki, perhaps R. Yosef Bekhor ShorDevarim 20:16About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, Rambam Sefer HaMitzvotPositive Commandments 190About Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot,

Call for Peace Also to Seven Nations

There is an obligation to seek peace not only before permissible wars but also before obligatory wars such as the Conquest of the Seven Nations.  This position subdivides regarding the extent of the call and ensuing peace:

No Call but Peace Possible

Though the Israelites are not supposed to seek out peace, if, before the war, the Canaanites on their own approach and submit themselves to Israel, their surrender is accepted.

Sources:RashbamDevarim 20:16About R. Shemuel b. Meir, ChizkuniDevarim 20:11-17About R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach