Deu 20:9 | KD | STEP | When this was finished, the shoterim were to appoint captains at the head of the people (of war). פּקד, to inspect, to muster, then to give the oversight, to set a person over anything (Num 3:10; Num 4:27). The meaning “to lead the command” ( Schultz ) cannot be sustained; and if “captains of the armies” were the subject, and reference were made to the commanders in the war, the article would not be omitted. If the shoterim had to raise men for the war and organize the army, the division of the men into hosts ( Zebaoth ) and the appointment of the leaders would also form part of the duties of their office. Instructions Concerning Sieges. - , Deu 20:11. On advancing against a town to attack it, they were “ to call to it for peace ,” i.e., to summon it to make a peaceable surrender and submission (cf. Jdg 21:13). “ If it answered peace ,” i.e., returned an answer conducing to peace, and “ opened ” (sc., its gates), the whole of its inhabitants were to become tributary to Israel, and serve it; consequently even those who were armed were not to be put to death, for Israel was not to shed blood unnecessarily. מס does not mean feudal service , but a feudal slave (see at ).

‏ Deuteronomy 20:9

When this was finished, the shoterim were to appoint captains at the head of the people (of war). פּקד, to inspect, to muster, then to give the oversight, to set a person over anything (Num 3:10; Num 4:27). The meaning “to lead the command” (Schultz) cannot be sustained; and if “captains of the armies” were the subject, and reference were made to the commanders in the war, the article would not be omitted. If the shoterim had to raise men for the war and organize the army, the division of the men into hosts (Zebaoth) and the appointment of the leaders would also form part of the duties of their office.

Instructions Concerning Sieges. - Deu 20:10, Deu 20:11. On advancing against a town to attack it, they were “to call to it for peace,” i.e., to summon it to make a peaceable surrender and submission (cf. Jdg 21:13). “If it answered peace,” i.e., returned an answer conducing to peace, and “opened” (sc., its gates), the whole of its inhabitants were to become tributary to Israel, and serve it; consequently even those who were armed were not to be put to death, for Israel was not to shed blood unnecessarily. מס does not mean feudal service, but a feudal slave (see at Exo 1:11).