Calling for Peace in the Conquest of Canaan/2
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This topic has not yet undergone editorial review
Calling for Peace in the Conquest of Canaan
Exegetical Approaches
Prohibited
It is prohibited to call for peace to the Seven Nations and any overtures for peace on their part are rejected.
Sources:Perhaps Sifre Devarim,1 Pesikta DeRav Kahana, Rashi,2 R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, perhaps Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot,3
"רַק מֵעָרֵי הָעַמִּים הָאֵלֶּה" – According to these sources, this phrase serves to contrast Devarim 20:16-18 with the entire preceding unit (verses 10-15).4 As such, the verses teach that Canaanite cities ("הָעַמִּים הָאֵלֶּה") differ from "distant cities" on two points, both with regards to whether there is an obligation to call for peace and what to do if that peace is rejected.5
"הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים אֹתָם" – This position is supported by the many verses throughout Torah6 which speak of annihilating the Seven Nations and do not mention any alternative peace option.
"לֹא תִכְרֹת לָהֶם בְּרִית... וְלֹא תִתְחַתֵּן בָּם" – The prohibition in Devarim 77 against making a treaty with or marrying Canaanites seems to presuppose that some Canaanites will not be killed. These sources could respond that Hashem is simply saying that there is a need to destroy all so that no treaty or marriages will be made, as such connections wikll ""
Trickery of Givonim – Both the trickery of the Givonim and the nation's anger on hearing that they were tricked are totally understandable. The Givonites correctly understood that their only chance for survival was to convince the Israelites that they were from a distant city, since the Israelite were obligated to destroy any from the Seven Nations and would not allow them to surrender and make peace. The Isarelites, for their part, were upset as they had unknowingly violated Hashem's commandments against making covenanats and opeace
Obligated
There is an obligation to offer peace terms before waging war against the Seven Nations, similar to the obligation before fighting an "optional war" against other enemies. This position subdivides regarding the extent of the call and ensuing peace: