Deuteronomy 20:15

This is how you are to treat all the cities that are far away from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.

Study Bible

This is how you are to treat
This phrase introduces a specific set of instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It reflects the divine command for how Israel was to conduct warfare, emphasizing obedience to God's directives. The context is the broader set of laws given in Deuteronomy, which outlines how Israel is to live as a holy nation set apart for God.

all the cities that are far away from you
The cities referred to here are those outside the immediate land of Canaan, which God had promised to the Israelites. These cities are distinguished from those within the Promised Land, which were subject to different rules of engagement. This distinction underscores the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel concerning the land of Canaan. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of differentiating between local and distant enemies.

and do not belong to the nations nearby.
The nations nearby refer to the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land God promised to Israel. These nations were subject to complete destruction due to their idolatry and moral corruption, as seen in other parts of Deuteronomy and the book of Joshua. This phrase highlights the separation between Israel and the surrounding pagan cultures, emphasizing the need for Israel to remain pure and devoted to God. Theologically, it points to the concept of holiness and the call for God's people to be distinct from the world, a theme echoed in the New Testament in passages like 1 Peter 1:16.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to conduct warfare.

3. Cities Far Away
Refers to cities outside the immediate vicinity of the Promised Land, indicating a different approach in warfare.

4. Nations Nearby
The Canaanite nations within the Promised Land, which were to be treated differently according to God's command.

5. Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites were to inhabit.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Justice
God's instructions for warfare reflect His justice and sovereignty. The distinction between nearby and distant cities underscores His specific plan for the Promised Land.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were called to obey God's commands precisely. This obedience was crucial for maintaining purity and avoiding the influence of idolatry.

Spiritual Warfare
Believers today can draw parallels to spiritual warfare, understanding the importance of discerning and following God's guidance in battling sin and temptation.

Cultural Context and Application
While the specific commands were for a particular time and people, the principles of seeking God's will and maintaining spiritual purity remain relevant.

God's Sovereignty and Plan
Recognizing that God's plans are perfect, even when they involve difficult commands, encourages trust in His overarching purpose for His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the distinction between "cities far away" and "nations nearby" help us comprehend God's specific instructions to Israel?

2. In what ways can the principles of obedience and purity in Deuteronomy 20:15 be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" or influences that Christians must be vigilant against, similar to the Canaanite nations' influence on Israel?

5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty and justice when faced with difficult or challenging commands in Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7
Provides context on how the Israelites were to deal with the nations within the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for complete destruction to avoid idolatry.

Joshua 9
Illustrates the application of these instructions when the Gibeonites, a nearby nation, deceived Israel into making a treaty.

Exodus 23
Discusses God's promise to drive out the nations before Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands in warfare.

Numbers 33
Warns of the consequences of failing to drive out the inhabitants of the land, which would lead to idolatry and sin.