Shalom, Mitspacha!
Prohibition of Destroying Fruit Trees
“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
“A righteous man regards the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wrong are cruelty.”
- Mishlei (Proverbs) 12:10
YHVH commanded His people not to destroy fruit trees even during warfare when a city was under siege. Trees that provided food were to be preserved rather than destroyed unnecessarily. The command placed a clear limit on destructive behaviour and recognised that resources capable of sustaining life should not be treated as disposable.
This mitzvah teaches that responsible stewardship remains important even during conflict. YHVH's people are called to distinguish between what is genuinely necessary and what is merely destructive. The ability to destroy something does not make its destruction righteous.
It is easy to focus so intensely on an immediate objective that we overlook what will remain after the conflict has ended. A fruit tree may take years to grow and provide nourishment for generations, while its destruction can happen in moments.
May we learn to think beyond the immediate situation and consider the consequences of our actions. Whether dealing with resources, relationships or responsibilities entrusted to us, may we protect what gives life and refuse unnecessary destruction.
Heavenly Father, YHVH, thank You for teaching us to value what sustains life. Give us wisdom to distinguish necessity from needless destruction and help us to be responsible stewards of the resources You place in our care. Teach us to consider the consequences of our choices beyond the present moment and to protect what can nourish and benefit others. May our actions demonstrate wisdom, restraint and gratitude for Your provision.
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.