Title: Rules of War / Deuteronomy 19 and 20
Content Moses, facing Canaan, is explaining the war strategy to the people of Israel based on the know-how he has gained from the wars with numerous nations. Moses begins the story by first instilling confidence in his victory.
“When you are about to fight, do not be afraid that the number of enemies is large. Because the God who brought you out of the land of Egypt will be with you. Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, don't be startled. God will fight for you.”
The victory or defeat of Israel's war was not based on the number of people, but on the total trust in God, so measures were also ordered for those who did not have that trust. “If any of you have concerns in your heart over your engagement or other personal matters, do not go to war. And if anyone is naturally cowardly or has doubts about the omnipotence of God, let them go home too.”
Moses, who declared that all Israel's wars were 'the holy wars of Yahweh', is now giving the basic guidelines for warfare.
“If you want to declare war on any city, you must make a proposal for peace before that. And as a result, if the offer of reconciliation is accepted, make peace with each other under the condition of receiving tribute. But if the offer of peace is rejected, make sure that the city is completely annihilated. However, with respect to the Canaanites, do not make an exceptional offer of peace and thoroughly destroy them.”
Unlike other tribes, God commanded that even women and infants be unconditionally annihilated without peace with the Canaanites. Here, we can see the decisive attitude that God will not allow any element of sin because Canaan is a place that God Himself has decided as a theocracy.
The God who wants to thoroughly prevent the contagion of sin in his beloved Israel! The God still wants us not to be contagious as well.
6. Conservative: Goel ( ) Meaning of 'to soften', 'to compensate', and 'to rescue'. A person who has the right and duty to avenge family or relatives.
18. Muhammad: To frame the opponent by pretending to be different from the truth.