Deuteronomy 20:13

Arabic Bible Life (Targamet El Hayah) (LA)

فإذا أسقطها الرب إلهكم في أيديكم، فاقتلوا جميع ذكورها بحد السيف.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy instructs that when God delivers a city into the Israelites' hands, they must kill all the males with swords. Moses is speaking, giving God's instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends have a game where you follow rules given by a referee. In this case, God is the referee, and He is giving rules to the Israelites for a specific situation. The rule here is very serious and not for play—it's about war and survival.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this part of the Book of Deuteronomy around 1400-1200 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites, a group of people who were about to enter and conquer the land of Canaan. The cultural setting was one of war and conquest, with strict religious and societal rules.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, while this verse speaks of a brutal reality of ancient warfare, it can remind us of the seriousness with which we should take God's instructions. This can be paralleled to making tough decisions in life where following guidance can lead to better outcomes.

Topics

• war
• obedience
• conquest
• ancient history
• military
• commandments

Related Verses

• Joshua 6:21
• Judges 1:8
• 2 Samuel 12:28
• Matthew 24:51
• Revelation 19:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is God commanding the Israelites to kill all males?

The command reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and is part of a broader set of instructions designed to protect the Israelites and ensure their survival in the Promised Land.

Is this verse relevant to Christians today?

While the direct application is specific to the Israelites' historical context, it teaches about obedience and the seriousness of following divine guidance in all aspects of life.

How does this relate to modern warfare?

Modern warfare has different ethical frameworks, but the verse can be seen as a reminder of the seriousness and gravity with which we must approach conflict and decisions that affect life and death.

What are some cross-references for this verse?

Cross-references include Joshua 6:21, Judges 1:8, 2 Samuel 12:28, Matthew 24:51, and Revelation 19:15, which all deal with themes of conquest, obedience, and divine command.