Shalom, Mitspacha!
Justice - Restraint Even in War
“When you besiege a city for a long time, making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them; if you may eat from them, do not cut them down.”
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 20:19
“For the tree of the field is man's food. Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, to build siegeworks against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued.”
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 20:20
“The righteous considers the life of his beast, but the compassion of the wrong is cruelty.”
- Mishlei (Proverbs) 12:10
YHVH placed limits even upon the conduct of warfare. When a city was under siege, His people were forbidden to destroy fruit-bearing trees merely as an act of war. The command protected resources that sustained life and restrained unnecessary destruction, showing that victory did not give permission for wanton devastation.
This mitzvah reminds us that righteousness does not disappear when conflict begins. Even under severe circumstances, YHVH's people remain accountable for how they exercise power. Strength must be governed by wisdom, restraint and respect for what sustains life.
War and conflict can create an environment where destruction becomes easier to justify. Yet YHVH's Torah teaches that even in warfare there are boundaries. Not everything that can be destroyed should be destroyed, and victory does not erase the obligation to act responsibly.
May we learn to exercise restraint whenever we hold power over others. Whether in major conflicts or ordinary disagreements, may we refuse unnecessary destruction, protect what gives life and remember that righteousness requires self-control even when emotions run high.
Heavenly Father, YHVH, thank You for teaching us that justice and restraint must remain present even during conflict. Give us wisdom to recognise what must be protected, self-control to reject unnecessary destruction and courage to uphold righteous boundaries when others may disregard them. Help us to value life, preserve what sustains others and use whatever strength or authority we possess with humility and responsibility.
Baruch YHVH. Emet.
“YHVH bless you and keep you;
YHVH make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
YHVH lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.”
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24-26
Shalom until tomorrow.