Deuteronomy 20:11 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 11. If it make thee answer of peace— i.e. Accept of the conditions offered to them, which, we are told, were three: first, that they should renounce idolatry; secondly, become subjects to the Jews; and thirdly, pay them an annual tribute. See Selden de Jure N. & G. lib. 6: cap. 14. It is thought by some eminent critics, (Calmet, Le Clerc, Poole, &c.) that this offer could not be made to the devoted nations of Canaan. But Maimonides and many of the Jewish writers are of the contrary opinion; and assert, that Joshua sent three deputations to the people of Canaan, two with offers of peace, the third with a declaration of war. See Maimonides, as quoted by Cunaeus, de Rep. Heb. lib. 2: cap. 20.