Deuteronomy 20:20

“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.”

Context: This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 20, which contains laws and guidelines for warfare. Specifically, Deuteronomy 20:19-20 provides instructions on how to handle situations involving a prolonged siege of a city.

Key Points

• Distinction Between Useful and Non-Useful Trees:
  – The verse differentiates between trees that are useful for food (“trees for meat”) and those that are not.
  – Trees that do not bear fruit or provide sustenance are to be destroyed during a siege.
• Preservation of Fruit-Bearing Trees:
  – Fruit-bearing trees should be preserved because they provide food and contribute to the sustenance of the people.
• Construction of Bulwarks:
  – The focus of the instruction is on constructing defensive structures (“bulwarks”) around the city under siege.
  – These fortifications are meant to help subdue the city and protect the attacking forces.

Interpretation and Application

• Environmental Considerations:
  – The instruction reflects an early understanding of the importance of preserving resources. In ancient times, fruit-bearing trees were crucial for survival, and protecting them made practical sense.
  – This can be seen as an early form of environmental stewardship, where the well-being of the land and its resources was considered.
• Strategic Warfare:
  – The guidance on warfare emphasizes strategy and practicality. By preserving fruit-bearing trees, the Israelites ensured that their own food supplies were maintained, which was essential during a prolonged conflict.
• Ethical Implications:
  – This command shows an ethical dimension to warfare: even in the context of conflict, there were rules to minimize unnecessary destruction. By protecting fruit-bearing trees, the Israelites demonstrated a form of respect for the land and its potential to provide sustenance.
• Spiritual Lessons:
  – From a spiritual perspective, this passage can be seen as a metaphor for discernment. Just as the Israelites were instructed to differentiate between useful and non-useful trees, believers are called to discern what is valuable and worth preserving in their own lives and communities.
• Long-Term Impact:
  – The focus on preservation over destruction reflects a consideration for long-term impact. In the context of warfare, while immediate tactical advantages were sought, there was also an eye on the future and the need for resources post-conflict.

Reflection Questions

• How can we apply the principle of discerning between what is useful and what is not in our own lives?
• What are some ways we can practice stewardship of resources in our modern context, drawing from the principles seen in this passage?
• How might the concept of preserving what is valuable while managing conflict apply to personal or communal challenges we face today?

This passage, though specific to a historical and cultural context, invites reflection on broader principles of stewardship, discernment, and strategic thinking.