Specifically, we're looking at Deuteronomy 20:10: "If you draw near to a city…" Seems simple enough. But it’s what this verse implies that really gets interesting.
The rabbis of old weren't just reading the words on the page; they were reading between them. And what they saw in this verse was a distinction: This verse, they said, isn't talking about every war. Oh no. It’s talking about what they called an "optional war" (milchemet reshut).
Okay, so what's an "optional war?"
Essentially, it's a war of expansion, a war fought not for immediate survival, but for territorial gain or political advantage. Think of it as a war where the nation has a choice. In contrast, there's the milchemet mitzvah, the "obligatory war" – a war of self-defense, a war commanded by God, or a war to eradicate evil, like the war against Amalek. Those? Non-negotiable.
But this "optional" war? That's where things get complicated, and where this verse comes in. It dictates that before engaging in such a conflict, you must first offer terms of peace to the city.
Why this distinction? Why the emphasis on offering peace first?
Because war is a terrible thing. The Sages understood that taking a life is never something to be done lightly. A war of necessity? Sometimes it cannot be avoided. But a war of choice? That demands a higher level of scrutiny, a greater emphasis on exploring every possible avenue for peace. : This isn't just about military strategy; it's about morality. It's about recognizing the inherent value of human life, even the lives of potential enemies. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the heat of battle, we must strive for peace. Even when engaging in conflict, we can't lose sight of our humanity.
It's a lesson that resonates just as strongly today as it did centuries ago. What choices are we making, as individuals and as nations? Are we rushing into conflict, or are we truly exhausting every option for peace? Are we engaging in wars of necessity, or wars of choice? And if the latter, have we truly considered the cost?
These ancient words, tucked away in Sifrei Devarim, offer a powerful framework for thinking about war and peace. They remind us that the decision to wage war is never simple, and that the pursuit of peace must always be our ultimate goal.