Deuteronomy 20:20

KJV

Only the trees which thou knowest that they [be] not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only the trees {H6086} which thou knowest {H3045} that they be not trees {H6086} for meat {H3978}, thou shalt destroy {H7843} and cut them down {H3772}; and thou shalt build {H1129} bulwarks {H4692} against the city {H5892} that maketh {H6213} war {H4421} with thee, until it be subdued {H3381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if you know that certain trees provide no food, you may destroy them and cut them down, in order to build siege-works against the town making war with you, until it falls.

Berean Standard Bible

But you may destroy the trees that you know do not produce fruit. Use them to build siege works against the city that is waging war against you, until it falls.

American Standard Version

Only the trees of which thou knowest that they are not trees for food, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:20 presents a crucial military regulation that distinguishes between types of trees permissible for use during a siege. It allows for the felling of non-fruit-bearing trees to construct siege works, while implicitly reinforcing the prohibition against destroying fruit-bearing trees, as established in the preceding verse. This command reflects God's profound wisdom in balancing the strategic necessities of warfare with the long-term stewardship of vital natural resources, ensuring both the successful prosecution of conflict and the sustained well-being of the Israelite community and the land. It underscores a divine principle of discernment and responsible resource management, even amidst the harsh realities of ancient warfare.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a comprehensive set of laws governing warfare found in [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare"). The chapter initiates with provisions for military preparation, including spiritual encouragement and exemptions from service for those recently married, newly planted vineyards, or those fearful ([Deuteronomy 20:5-8](/deuteronomy/20-5-8 "Deuteronomy 20:5-8 - Exemptions from Military Service")). It then outlines the protocol for engaging enemy cities, emphasizing an initial offer of peace before any military action ([Deuteronomy 20:10-12](/deuteronomy/20-10-12 "Deuteronomy 20:10-12 - Offering Peace Before Siege")). Verses 19 and 20 specifically address the ethical treatment of agricultural resources during a siege. [Deuteronomy 20:19](/deuteronomy/20-19 "Deuteronomy 20:19 - Prohibition Against Destroying Fruit Trees") explicitly prohibits the destruction of fruit trees, declaring that "the tree of the field is man's life." Verse 20 serves as a vital clarification and complement, granting permission to fell non-fruit-bearing trees for military construction, thus providing a balanced and pragmatic approach to resource utilization in the context of armed conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern warfare frequently involved prolonged sieges, necessitating the construction of elaborate siege engines, ramps, and fortifications (often referred to as bulwarks or mounds) to breach city defenses. Wood was an indispensable material for such constructions. In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, fruit trees were exceptionally valuable, representing a long-term investment in food security, a source of sustenance, and a powerful symbol of prosperity and divine blessing. Their destruction would have inflicted severe, long-term economic and ecological consequences on the land and its inhabitants. The law in [Deuteronomy 20:19-20](/deuteronomy/20-19-20 "Deuteronomy 20:19-20 - Laws Regarding Trees in Warfare") thus stands out as a unique and remarkably humane regulation when compared to the often brutal and destructive practices of other nations in the region. It reflects Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and the land He had graciously given them, demonstrating a divine concern for sustainable living even amidst the necessities of war.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 20:20](/deuteronomy/20-20 "Deuteronomy 20:20 - Using Non-Fruit Trees for Siege Works") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Resource Management and Stewardship**, emphasizing God's profound concern for the preservation of vital resources and the long-term well-being of His people, even within the challenging context of conflict. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate for humanity to exercise wise dominion over creation, as first articulated in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Dominion Over Creation"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Strategic and Practical Wisdom in Warfare**, demonstrating that God's laws are not merely abstract principles but provide concrete, practical guidance for all aspects of life, including military campaigns. The precise distinction between fruit and non-fruit trees reveals a pragmatic approach to achieving military objectives while upholding essential ethical boundaries. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Restraint and Ethical Conduct**, even in the brutal realities of war, reflecting God's character and His desire for justice, order, and compassionate governance to prevail even in chaotic circumstances. This principle of restraint is a hallmark of God's covenant with Israel, setting them apart from surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word (H3045) signifies not merely intellectual apprehension but often a deep, experiential knowledge, discernment, or recognition. In this context, it implies a careful, deliberate act of identifying and distinguishing between trees. The command requires the Israelite soldiers to actively assess and "know" which trees are not "for meat," emphasizing thoughtful action over indiscriminate destruction. This highlights a principle of responsible decision-making even in the heat of battle.
* **meat (Hebrew, _maʼăkâl'_):** Derived from the root "to eat," this term (H3978) refers to anything edible, including food, fruit, or provisions. When paired with "trees," it specifically denotes fruit-bearing trees—those that yield sustenance. The phrase "trees for meat" is therefore a clear descriptor for productive, food-providing trees, whose preservation is mandated. This word is central to the distinction being made, highlighting the economic and life-sustaining value of these resources.
* **bulwarks (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** This term (H4692) refers to a siege mound, fortification, or military structure used during a siege. It can also denote the act of besieging itself or a place of siege. In this verse, it specifies the legitimate military purpose for which the non-fruit-bearing trees could be felled. The construction of "bulwarks" was essential for assaulting a fortified city, emphasizing that the permission to cut down trees was not for wanton destruction but for a defined, strategic military objective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only the trees which thou knowest that they [be] not trees for meat,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise condition under which trees may be felled. It places the responsibility on the Israelite army to exercise discernment ("thou knowest") to differentiate between trees that yield edible fruit (and are thus protected) and those that do not. This sets a clear boundary, preventing indiscriminate destruction and emphasizing a thoughtful, principled approach to resource management.
* **"thou shalt destroy and cut them down;"**: This grants explicit permission and command to fell the non-fruit-bearing trees. The verbs "destroy" (H7843, _shâchath_, implying ruin or corruption) and "cut them down" (H3772, _kârath_, meaning to cut off or cut down) indicate decisive action. This permission is given precisely because these trees do not serve the vital purpose of providing food, making them suitable for military use in a way that fruit trees are not.
* **"and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued."**: This final clause specifies the precise and legitimate purpose for felling these trees: to construct siege works ("bulwarks") against the enemy city. The ultimate objective is the "subduing" (H3381, _yârad_, to bring down or subdue) of the city, indicating the strategic necessity of these actions. This reinforces that the permission to cut trees is not for arbitrary destruction but for a defined military goal, ensuring that even in warfare, actions are purposeful and directed towards a just and necessary end.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Deuteronomy 20:20](/deuteronomy/20-20 "Deuteronomy 20:20 - Laws for Siege Warfare") is **Contrast**. This verse directly contrasts with the preceding [Deuteronomy 20:19](/deuteronomy/20-19 "Deuteronomy 20:19 - Preservation of Fruit Trees"), which strictly prohibits the destruction of fruit-bearing trees. By presenting a clear distinction between "trees for meat" (fruit trees) and those "not trees for meat" (non-fruit trees), the text highlights the nuanced and discerning nature of God's law. This **Legal Instruction** is remarkably precise, providing clear, practical guidance for a specific military scenario while upholding an underlying ethical principle of stewardship. The passage also employs **Pragmatism**, offering a realistic solution for military necessity (building siege works) without sacrificing long-term ecological and economic well-being. This demonstrates a divine wisdom that is both idealistic in its ethical demands and practical in its application to real-world situations, reflecting God's concern for both immediate needs and future implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:20, while seemingly a specific military regulation, profoundly reflects God's character and His overarching concern for creation and humanity. It extends the principle of wise dominion and stewardship, first articulated in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Mandate to Exercise Dominion"), into the challenging and often brutal context of warfare. God, as the ultimate Creator and Provider, instills in His people a responsibility to manage resources judiciously, even when facing an enemy. This command prevents wanton destruction and promotes a long-term perspective, valuing sustained life and productivity over immediate, unbridled military advantage. It speaks to a divine economy that seeks preservation and sustainability, even amidst the chaos of conflict, demonstrating that God's order and wisdom can penetrate every sphere of human activity, guiding His people towards ethical conduct that reflects His own nature.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Mandate to Exercise Dominion")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord")
* [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "The Sabbath Year for the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:20 offers profound lessons that transcend its ancient military context, challenging us to critically examine our approach to resources and objectives in all areas of life. It calls us to cultivate a posture of discerning stewardship, where we carefully weigh immediate needs against long-term consequences and ethical implications. In our modern world, this translates into crucial considerations in business ethics, environmental policies, personal consumption habits, and even our use of time and talents. We are called to identify what is truly "for meat"—that which sustains life, provides enduring value, and contributes to the long-term well-being of future generations and the flourishing of creation—and to protect it fiercely. Conversely, we must discern what can be "cut down"—resources or methods that, while potentially useful for achieving a goal, do not compromise essential, life-sustaining principles or God-given values. This principle encourages us to pursue our goals with wisdom, integrity, and a deep respect for the created order, understanding that true success is not merely achieving an objective but doing so in a way that honors God and preserves what is truly valuable for His kingdom and His people. It reminds us that even in our most aggressive pursuits, divine wisdom calls for restraint, foresight, and ethical responsibility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit trees" in my life or sphere of influence (e.g., relationships, health, spiritual disciplines, natural resources) am I tempted to "cut down" for immediate gain, and how can I practice better stewardship?**
* **How can the principle of discerning between what is "for meat" and what is "not for meat" guide my decision-making in personal, professional, or communal contexts today, particularly when faced with difficult choices?**
* **In what situations do I need to balance achieving a necessary objective with adhering to ethical principles and long-term sustainability, reflecting God's wisdom?**
* **How does God's specific guidance in warfare, as seen in this verse, encourage me to seek His wisdom and apply His principles in all areas of my life, even the most challenging and seemingly secular ones?**

### FAQ
**Why is God so specific about trees in warfare?**

Answer: God's specificity about trees in warfare, particularly the distinction between fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing trees, highlights several key divine concerns. Firstly, it underscores God's deep care for the land and its long-term productivity, reflecting His role as Creator and Sustainer. Fruit trees were a vital, sustainable food source for the Israelite community, representing future sustenance, economic stability, and a symbol of covenant blessing. Their wanton destruction would have had devastating, long-lasting consequences for the land and its people. Secondly, it demonstrates God's commitment to ethical conduct and wise stewardship, even in the brutal context of war. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern armies that often practiced scorched-earth tactics, Israel was commanded to exercise restraint and discernment. This command teaches that even when pursuing a legitimate military objective, there are boundaries and principles that must not be violated, reflecting a higher moral standard for God's covenant people. It also shows God's practical wisdom, allowing for necessary military engineering while preserving essential resources.

**Does this ancient law about trees apply to modern warfare or environmental ethics?**

Answer: While the literal application of [Deuteronomy 20:20](/deuteronomy/20-20 "Deuteronomy 20:20 - Ethical Warfare") to modern warfare is complex due to technological advancements and the nature of contemporary conflict, the underlying principles are profoundly relevant to contemporary environmental ethics and resource management. The core message is one of **stewardship** and **discernment**. It teaches that even in times of conflict, crisis, or when pursuing a significant goal, we must not thoughtlessly destroy resources that are vital for long-term well-being and the flourishing of future generations. This principle can be applied to debates about deforestation, sustainable agriculture, responsible resource extraction, and broader environmental protection. It calls us to consider the long-term impact of our actions, to distinguish between what is truly expendable for a temporary objective and what is essential for sustained life and human flourishing. Thus, the spirit of the law encourages responsible environmental practices and ethical decision-making in all spheres of life, urging us to be good stewards of God's creation, understanding that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it ([Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:20, with its nuanced wisdom regarding resource management in warfare, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. While the Old Testament law pertains to physical warfare and the preservation of literal fruit trees, Christ's mission and kingdom usher in a spiritual warfare ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")) against principalities and powers, sin, and death. In this ultimate spiritual battle, Christ demonstrates the perfect discernment and stewardship. He did not "cut down" or destroy what was eternally valuable (humanity, created in the image of God) for the sake of achieving His objective, but rather preserved and redeemed it through His own sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. The wisdom of [Deuteronomy 20:20](/deuteronomy/20-20 "Deuteronomy 20:20 - Wisdom in Warfare") foreshadows Christ's perfect balance of divine power and sacrificial love, where the "bulwarks" of sin and death are not overcome by indiscriminate destruction, but by His strategic, purposeful, and ultimately redemptive act on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the one who, in His spiritual conquest, preserves the "trees for meat"—the souls of humanity, bringing them to bear eternal fruit through His Spirit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). The meticulous care for creation and the ethical conduct in warfare commanded in the Law ultimately point to the perfect character of Christ, who perfectly fulfills all righteousness and establishes a kingdom of enduring life and flourishing, where true victory is achieved through preservation, redemption, and the making of all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Ecclesiastes 9:14

[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

Jeremiah 33:4

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

Ezekiel 17:17

Neither shall Pharaoh with [his] mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

Jeremiah 6:6

For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this [is] the city to be visited; she [is] wholly oppression in the midst of her.

Isaiah 37:33

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

2 Chronicles 26:15

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.