John Gill Bible Commentary

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace,.... Comply with the terms of peace offered: and open unto thee; the gates of the city and its garrisons, and deliver all into their hands: then it shall be that all the people that is found therein; some having made their escape before the surrender of the city: shall be tributaries unto thee: pay a yearly tax imposed upon them, as the Moabites sometimes did, and which was paid in lambs and rams with the wool, Kg2 3:4 and they shall serve thee; not as slaves, or be in continual bondage and servitude; but upon occasion be called out to any public service, as joining them against their enemies, rebuilding palaces and cities, or repairing walls of cities, and the like; and in general acknowledge their dominion over them, and their own subjection to them, by paying an annual tribute, or sending gifts unto them; thus the Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites, became the servants of David, Sa2 8:2.