Calling for Peace in the Conquest of Canaan/2
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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 are not be killed. These sources could respond in either of the following ways:
- Hashem is simply saying that there is a need to destroy everyone so that no treaty or marriages will be made.8 Sine such connections will inevitably lead to idolatry, they need to be prevented.
- Alternatively, as Ibn Ezra explains, the prohibitions against making alliances were needed for the period of the conquest itself, as Hashem had promised that the nations would not be destroyed at once, but rather over a long period.9
Trickery of Gibeonites – The trickery of the Gibeonites is totally understandable. They 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. 10
Why did the Israelites override their vow?
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: