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, the word "רק" in this phrase serve to contrast verses Devarim 20:16-18 with the entire preceding unit (verses 10-15).4 As such, the verses teach that Canaanite cities 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.
"הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים אֹתָם" – This position is supported by the many verses throughout Torah which speak of annihilating the Seven Nations and do not mention any alternative option for peace.
Trickery of Givonim
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: