Deuteronomy 20:19

When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field [is] man's [life]) to employ [them] in the siege:

When thou shalt besiege {H6696} a city {H5892} a long {H7227} time {H3117}, in making war {H3898} against it to take {H8610} it, thou shalt not destroy {H7843} the trees {H6086} thereof by forcing {H5080} an axe {H1631} against them: for thou mayest eat {H398} of them, and thou shalt not cut them down {H3772}(for the tree {H6086} of the field {H7704} is man's {H120} life) to employ {H935} them in the siege {H6440}{H4692}:

"When, in making war against a town in order to capture it, you lay siege to it for a long time, you are not to destroy its trees, cutting them down with an axe. You can eat their fruit, so don't cut them down. After all, are the trees in the field human beings, so that you have to besiege them too?

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 thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by wielding an axe against them; for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down; for is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged of thee?

Deuteronomy 20:19 lays down a remarkable law concerning warfare, reflecting God's foresight and care even amidst conflict. It provides a specific command to the Israelite army during a prolonged siege of a city, prohibiting the wanton destruction of fruit-bearing trees.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy chapter 20, which outlines the regulations for Israel's conduct in war. These laws were given to distinguish Israel from other nations, demonstrating a divine standard of justice, mercy, and prudence even in the harsh realities of ancient warfare. While some laws in this chapter deal with the destruction of certain cities, this particular verse introduces a crucial limitation, emphasizing preservation of resources essential for life.

Key Themes

  • Environmental Stewardship and Conservation: The command directly forbids the destruction of fruit trees, highlighting a foundational principle of responsible management of natural resources. Even in times of war, God's people were to practice a form of ecological preservation, recognizing the long-term value of nature.
  • Prudence and Long-Term Thinking: The instruction to preserve fruit trees for food (“thou mayest eat of them”) demonstrates a practical wisdom. Destroying a vital food source would be short-sighted and detrimental to future sustenance, whether for the besiegers or for those who would eventually inhabit the land.
  • Limits to Warfare and Destruction: This law sets a significant moral boundary. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern armies that practiced scorched-earth tactics, Israel was commanded to exercise restraint. It teaches that even in the pursuit of victory, there are ethical lines that should not be crossed, reflecting God's character of life and provision.
  • Human Dependence on Creation: The powerful parenthetical phrase, "for the tree of the field is man's life," underscores the deep interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. It implies that people rely on these trees for food, sustenance, and ultimately, survival. This phrase highlights the vital role of creation in sustaining human existence, a theme echoed in God's initial provision of plants for food in Genesis.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "for the tree of the field is man's life" (כִּי הָאָדָם עֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה, ki ha’adam etz ha’sadeh) has been subject to various interpretations. While the KJV renders it as a declarative statement emphasizing reliance on trees, it can also be read as a rhetorical question: "Is man a tree of the field, that he should be besieged?" This alternative understanding would imply that just as a tree cannot flee a siege, so too a human being is vulnerable and should not be treated as an inanimate object to be cut down indiscriminately. However, the KJV's rendering aligns well with the immediate context of preserving trees for food, emphasizing their life-sustaining quality and thus their invaluable nature.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 20:19 offers timeless principles relevant far beyond ancient warfare:

  • Modern Environmentalism: It serves as an ancient biblical precedent for environmental conservation and responsible resource management. It reminds us that natural resources are not merely tools for immediate exploitation but vital provisions to be stewarded for future generations.
  • Ethical Conduct in Conflict: The verse challenges us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, even in challenging or adversarial situations. It calls for restraint, wisdom, and a consideration of future needs, rather than total destruction.
  • Valuing Provision: It encourages gratitude for and careful use of the provisions God has given us through creation. Just as ancient Israel was to respect fruit trees, we are called to respect the sources of our sustenance and life.

This command in Deuteronomy stands as a testament to God's wise and merciful character, even in the context of war, encouraging His people to preserve life and resources.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Matthew 3:10

    And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Deuteronomy 26:6

    And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

  • Matthew 21:19

    And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

  • Luke 13:7

    Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

  • Luke 13:9

    And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.
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