Deuteronomy 20:19
When you lay siege to a city for an extended time while fighting against it to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit. You must not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that you should besiege them?
When you lay siege to a city
The phrase "lay siege" comes from the Hebrew word "צור" (tsur), which means to encircle or confine. In ancient warfare, sieges were common as armies sought to cut off a city from supplies and reinforcements. This context highlights the strategic patience and determination required in warfare, reflecting the broader spiritual principle of perseverance in the face of challenges.

for a long time
The Hebrew phrase "ימים רבים" (yamim rabbim) translates to "many days." This indicates that the siege is not a quick endeavor but a prolonged effort. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for enduring faith and the necessity of steadfastness in spiritual battles, trusting in God's timing.

fighting against it to capture it
The act of "fighting" (לחם, lacham) implies a struggle or battle. The goal is to "capture" (לכד, lakad), which means to seize or take possession. This reflects the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to fight the good fight of faith, aiming to overcome spiritual strongholds with God's help.

do not destroy its trees
The command "do not destroy" (תשחית, tashchit) is a prohibition against needless destruction. Trees, in this context, symbolize life and sustenance. This instruction underscores the value of preserving God's creation and the resources He provides, even amidst conflict.

by putting an ax to them
The imagery of "putting an ax" (גרזן, garzen) to the trees suggests a deliberate act of cutting down. This serves as a reminder of the power of human actions to either preserve or destroy. It calls believers to exercise wisdom and restraint, recognizing the long-term consequences of their actions.

because you can eat their fruit
The rationale "because you can eat" (כי ממנו תאכל, ki mimenu tochel) emphasizes the practical and life-sustaining purpose of the trees. In a spiritual sense, this highlights the importance of nurturing and valuing what sustains life and faith, rather than destroying it for short-term gains.

Do not cut them down
This reiteration of the command not to cut down the trees (לא תכרות, lo tikrot) reinforces the principle of conservation and respect for God's provision. It serves as a call to stewardship, urging believers to care for the resources entrusted to them.

Are the trees of the field human
The rhetorical question "Are the trees of the field human" (כי האדם עץ השדה, ki ha'adam etz hasadeh) draws a distinction between human life and nature. It suggests that while humans are engaged in conflict, they should not extend their aggression to the natural world, which is not their enemy.

that they should be besieged by you?
The phrase "that they should be besieged" (לבוא מפניך במצור, lavo mipanecha b'matzor) implies that trees are not participants in human conflicts. This serves as a reminder of the broader principle of peace and the call to live in harmony with God's creation, even amidst human strife.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people receiving the law and instructions from God through Moses.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and laws.

3. Canaan
The land that the Israelites are preparing to enter and conquer.

4. Siege Warfare
A military strategy involving surrounding and attacking a city to capture it.

5. Fruit Trees
Trees that bear fruit, which are to be preserved during a siege for sustenance.
Teaching Points
Stewardship of Creation
God commands the preservation of fruit trees, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship over creation. This principle encourages us to care for the environment and use resources wisely.

Value of Sustenance
The instruction not to destroy fruit trees during a siege underscores the value of sustenance and the need to prioritize life-giving resources. In our lives, we should prioritize what sustains and nurtures us spiritually and physically.

Respect for God's Provision
By preserving fruit trees, the Israelites show respect for God's provision. We are reminded to be grateful for and respectful of the resources God provides, recognizing them as gifts.

Discernment in Conflict
The command to spare fruit trees during warfare teaches discernment in conflict situations. We should seek to minimize unnecessary harm and preserve what is good and beneficial.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to preserve fruit trees during a siege reflect God's character and priorities?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of stewardship over creation in our daily lives?

3. How does the preservation of fruit trees during warfare relate to the broader biblical theme of valuing life and sustenance?

4. What are some modern-day situations where we might need to exercise discernment to preserve what is good and beneficial?

5. How can the teachings in Deuteronomy 20:19 inspire us to be more grateful for and respectful of God's provision in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:29
This verse highlights God's provision of plants and trees for food, establishing the importance of preserving life-sustaining resources.

Leviticus 19:23-25
These verses discuss the laws regarding fruit trees, emphasizing the value and sanctity of trees that provide food.

Romans 8:19-22
This passage speaks to the creation's longing for redemption, reflecting the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

Matthew 7:17-20
Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and fruit to teach about discernment and the nature of good and evil.
Cutting Down Fruit TreesJ. Parker, D. D.Deuteronomy 20:19
Fruit or TimberH. M. Booth.Deuteronomy 20:19
Religious WarsR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 20:1-20
Forbearance and SeverityJ. Orr Deuteronomy 20:10-20
The Terrible Side of Human DutyD. Davies Deuteronomy 20:10-20
People
Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Armies, Arms, Ax, Axe, Besiege, Besieged, Canst, Capture, Countryside, Cut, Destroy, Eat, Employ, Field, Fight, Fighting, Force, Forcing, Fruit, Layest, Lifting, Making, Man's, Mayest, Order, Presence, Putting, Shut, Siege, Swinging, Thereof, Town, Tree, Trees, War, Waste, Wielding
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 20:19

     8472   respect, for environment

Deuteronomy 20:1-20

     5214   attack

Deuteronomy 20:10-20

     5354   invasions

Deuteronomy 20:19-20

     5256   city
     5295   destruction
     5529   sieges
     5583   tools

Library
'Fit, Though Few'
'Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king,
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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