Shoftim 20:12 · EXTRA 3

EXTRA · Side-ring · Parashas Shoftim · Passuk 20:12

The Complete Passuk

וְאִם־לֹ֤א תַשְׁלִים֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ וְעָשְׂתָ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ מִלְחָמָ֑ה וְצַרְתָּ֖ עָלֶֽיהָ׃

But if it will not make peace with you, and it makes war with you, then you shall besiege it.

Chazal / classical source (beyond TT-numbered main-ring units): Sifrei Devarim 200 / Rambam.

Lemma: וְעָשְׂתָה עִמְּךָ מִלְחָמָה.

Core Text

וְעָשְׂתָה עִמְּךָ מִלְחָמָה – שֶׁהִחְלִיטָה לְהִלָּחֵם.

English: ‘And it makes war with you’ – that it has decided to fight.

On the daf / in context: Active resistance is the trigger for siege.

Derash on the city’s choice (Sifrei) — the city that elects war rather than tribute brings the siege upon itself.

A city that refuses peace and actively makes war is to be placed under siege until it falls.