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Deuteronomy 20:19 - War mustn't destroy fruit trees?

Deuteronomy 20:19 - דברים 20:19

Hebrew Text

כִּי־תָצוּר אֶל־עִיר יָמִים רַבִּים לְהִלָּחֵם עָלֶיהָ לְתָפְשָׂהּ לֹא־תַשְׁחִית אֶת־עֵצָהּ לִנְדֹּחַ עָלָיו גַּרְזֶן כִּי מִמֶּנּוּ תֹאכֵל וְאֹתוֹ לֹא תִכְרֹת כִּי הָאָדָם עֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה לָבֹא מִפָּנֶיךָ בַּמָּצוֹר׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Ki-tatzur el-ir yamim rabim lehilachem aleha letafsa lo tashchit et-etzah lindoch alav garzen ki mimenu tochel ve'oto lo tichrot ki ha'adam etz hasadeh lavo mifanecha bamatzor.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־תָצ֣וּר אֶל־עִיר֩ יָמִ֨ים רַבִּ֜ים לְֽהִלָּחֵ֧ם עָלֶ֣יהָ לְתׇפְשָׂ֗הּ לֹֽא־תַשְׁחִ֤ית אֶת־עֵצָהּ֙ לִנְדֹּ֤חַ עָלָיו֙ גַּרְזֶ֔ן כִּ֚י מִמֶּ֣נּוּ תֹאכֵ֔ל וְאֹת֖וֹ לֹ֣א תִכְרֹ֑ת כִּ֤י הָֽאָדָם֙ עֵ֣ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה לָבֹ֥א מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ בַּמָּצֽוֹר׃
כִּֽי־תָצ֣וּר אֶל־עִיר֩ יָמִ֨ים רַבִּ֜ים לְֽהִלָּחֵ֧ם עָלֶ֣יהָ לְתׇפְשָׂ֗הּ לֹֽא־תַשְׁחִ֤ית אֶת־עֵצָהּ֙ לִנְדֹּ֤חַ עָלָיו֙ גַּרְזֶ֔ן כִּ֚י מִמֶּ֣נּוּ תֹאכֵ֔ל וְאֹת֖וֹ לֹ֣א תִכְרֹ֑ת כִּ֤י הָֽאָדָם֙ עֵ֣ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה לָבֹ֥א מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ בַּמָּצֽוֹר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Destroying Fruit Trees During Siege

The verse (Devarim 20:19) prohibits the wanton destruction of fruit-bearing trees during wartime. Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי הָאָדָם עֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה" ("for is the tree of the field a man") should be understood as a rhetorical question: "Is the tree like a human being that it should flee from you into the city under siege?" Since the tree cannot defend itself or escape, it is forbidden to destroy it needlessly.

Halachic Principles from the Verse

  • Bal Tashchit (Prohibition of Waste): The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:8) derives from this verse the broader prohibition against destroying anything of value unnecessarily, extending beyond wartime to all aspects of life.
  • Exceptions: The Talmud (Bava Kama 91b) states that if the tree provides cover for enemies or is needed for the siege itself (e.g., for constructing siegeworks), it may be cut down.
  • Human Life vs. Trees: The Sifrei emphasizes that while preserving trees is important, human life takes precedence. If a tree poses a danger (e.g., providing cover for enemies), it must be removed.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shofetim 19) teaches that this commandment reflects the Torah's sensitivity to all of Hashem's creations. Even during war—a time of destruction—we must maintain ethical boundaries and avoid unnecessary harm to the environment. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 529) adds that this law trains us to cultivate compassion and avoid destructive tendencies, even in extreme circumstances.

Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar offers a deeper insight: The comparison of man to a tree (as hinted in the verse's phrasing) teaches that just as a tree's survival depends on its roots, a person's spiritual survival depends on their connection to Torah and mitzvot. Destroying a fruit tree is akin to severing a source of sustenance—both physical and spiritual.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Kamma 91b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against wanton destruction of trees during warfare, illustrating the principle of bal tashchit (do not destroy).
📖 Sotah 46a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of warfare and the ethical treatment of the environment during military campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:19 mean about not cutting down trees during war?
A: The verse teaches that even during wartime, we must avoid unnecessary destruction, especially of fruit-bearing trees. Rashi explains that this prohibition (known as 'Bal Tashchit') applies because trees provide sustenance ('for you may eat from them'). The Torah values ethical conduct even in battle, emphasizing that nature should not be harmed without cause.
Q: Why does the Torah compare a person to 'a tree of the field' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 7a) derives from this verse that a Torah scholar is like a tree: just as a tree provides fruit and shade, a righteous person benefits others through wisdom and kindness. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:8) also notes that the comparison reminds us to value all life—human and ecological—and avoid senseless destruction.
Q: Does the prohibition against destroying trees apply only during war?
A: No. While the verse discusses wartime, the principle of 'Bal Tashchit' (avoiding wastefulness) applies broadly. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 529) extends this to any unnecessary destruction of useful objects or resources, teaching us to live responsibly and appreciate Hashem's creation.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 20:19 today?
A: This verse teaches environmental responsibility and ethical behavior even in difficult circumstances. The Midrash (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13) emphasizes that preserving nature reflects wisdom, as G-d created the world for humanity's benefit. Today, this applies to recycling, conserving resources, and avoiding waste—aligning with the Torah's timeless values.
Q: Are there exceptions to the rule of not cutting down trees during a siege?
A: Yes. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:8) rules that if a tree is used defensively by the enemy (e.g., for fortifications) or if cutting it is strategically necessary to win the war, it may be destroyed. However, fruit trees should be spared whenever possible, as their long-term value outweighs short-term needs.