This clause, which makes the instructions apply to towns beyond the borders of the land of Canaan, comes at the end of the passage. See the comment at verse 10, where it was suggested that verse 15 may be placed there.

Cities which are very far from you, which are not cities of the nations here: again a twofold statement, for emphasis. Notice the force of the word here; the point of view is that of someone who lives in Canaan.

For an account of what the Israelites actually did in besieging towns, see 2.33-35 and 3.6-7.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .