Deuteronômio 20
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - See Ex 14:26–28 for a reference to God’s deliverance of His people from Pharaoh. Israel’s trust was based on: previous revelation to the Patriarchs, miraculous Egyptian deliverance, miraculous wilderness wandering provisions, victories on the eastern bank of Jordan. (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Ryrie - Moses often used the deliverance from Egypt to encourage noble purposes in the lives of the Israelites (see also 4:20; 5:15; 6:12; 8:14; 10:19; 11:2-3; 24:18, 22; 26:5, 8). THOUGHT - Spiritual challenges become manageable when we are reminded that God is present and active in the struggle. (McIntosh Holman Old Testament Commentary) Deuteronomy 20:2 "When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. Nu 10:8-9 Nu 31:6 Jdg 20:27,28 1Sa 14:18 30:7,8 2Ch 13:12 Deuteronomy 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Ark of the Covenant Related Passages: Numbers 10:8-9 “The priestly sons of Aaron, moreover, shall blow the trumpets; and this shall be for you a perpetual statute throughout your generations. 9“When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God, and be saved from your enemies. Numbers 31:6 Moses sent them, a thousand from each tribe, to the war, and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war with them, and the holy vessels and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand. THE ENCOURAGEMENTS: FROM THE PRIESTS NET Note - The reference to the priest suggests also the presence of the ark of the covenant, the visible sign of God’s presence. The whole setting is clearly that of “holy war” or “Yahweh war,” in which God himself takes initiative as the true commander of the forces of Israel (cf. Ex 14:14–18; 15:3–10; Deut 3:22; 7:18–24; 31:6, 8). (Deuteronomy 20) When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people - While this was war, ultimately it was holy war and it was appropriate to have the holy priest present. Although not stated here, other passages suggest that the priests would carry the Ark of the covenant and they would also speak the Word of the LORD to the men to encourage their trust in the faithfulness of Yahweh to fulfill His promises to give them victory. Israel needed to be reminded of words Moses had spoken earlier... The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes (Dt 1:30+) Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.’ (Dt 3:22+) Coakley - Since war was not just a military issue but also a religious and theological one, priests had a major part in preparing the people for war. Priests were employed to encourage the troops just before battle by strengthening their will to fight, reminding them that the LORD would come alongside to fight against Israel’s enemies and provide deliverance. The priest stood as a tangible reminder to the troops that the Lord was with them and that they could trust Him for a favorable outcome in battle. (ED: ONE IS REMINDED OF MOSES ON THE HILL AND JOSHUA BATTLING THE AMALEKITES - Ex 17:8-16+) (Ibid) IVP Bible Background Commentary - priest addressing the army. Since warfare was considered a religious enterprise, it was expected that priests and other religious functionaries would accompany the army. Assyrian texts and reliefs depict the roles performed by priests accompanying the troops. They carried or attended the images and emblems of the gods (see Josh 6:4–5; 1Sam 4:4), performed religious rituals and sacrifices, and undoubtedly addressed the army in the name of the gods. Grant - The presence of the priest with the armies was a token of Israel's dependence on the Lord....They would not be fighting alone; the Lord would be doing battle for them also. In such a battle the outcome did not depend on their overwhelming arms and skill in strategy, but rather on their obedience to the Lord. ...These verses must have been in the mind of David as he saw the fear in the armies of Israel as they faced the challenge of Goliath. His words, "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (1 Sam 17:45), as he stood before the giant of Gath, showed that his trust was in the Lord alone. King Asa, as he faced overwhelming foes, had the same confidence when he cried to the Lord, "... help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude" (2 Chr 14:11). The warfare in which believers take part today seems at times to be against a more powerful foe. The resources available to those who oppose the Scriptures appear to be so great that the battle is uneven. In such circumstances the words of Paul are encouraging: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (2 Cor 10:4). .(What the Bible Teaches – Leviticus and Deuteronomy)
Deuteronômio 20
Utley adds "Chapter 20 is a description of how Israel was to conduct holy war, which is a war done in the name of God, commanded by God, the rules controlled by God, for the glory of God (cf. 20:1–20; 21:10–14; 23:9–14; 24:5; 25:17–19)." (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Grant helps set the background - Once the land of Canaan had been possessed there would still be enemies in the surrounding nations. Indeed, if the nation obeyed the word of God they would inhabit a land more prosperous than those round about. This would excite the cupidity of other nations and be a possible cause of conflict. Israel, therefore, must be prepared to do battle. They had to do so to possess the Land, and they must be prepared to do so to defend their territory. As Canaan speaks today of the heavenly blessings which can be enjoyed by believers, the lesson is clear. There is a battle to come into the good of them and there is also a battle to preserve that enjoyment. The Adversary seeks to prevent any joy in salvation and, should he fail, he will attempt to destroy any that develops. .(What the Bible Teaches – Leviticus and Deuteronomy)
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - do not be afraid of them” This VERB (Qal IMPERFECT) is a recurrent theme in holy war contexts (cf. Dt 1:21, 29; 3:2, 22; 7:18; 20:1, 3; 31:6, 8). They were not to fear the power or number of their Canaanite enemies, but they were to fear YHWH (cf. Dt 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24; 10:12, 20; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 28:58; 31:12, 13), because He is an awesome God (same Hebrew term, cf. 7:21; 10:17; 28:58) (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Keil - Horses and chariots constituted the principal strength of the enemies round about Israel; not of the Egyptians only (Ex 14:7), and of the Canaanites and Philistines (Josh 17:16; Judg 4:3; 1 Sam 13:5), but of the Syrians also (2 Sam 8:4; 1 Chron 18:4; 19:18; cf. Ps 20:8). For - Term of explanation. Explains why Israel was to have no fear regardless of the "odds." The LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you - Israel's might had less to do with their military prowess than with their omnipotent God Who was on their side in the battle. Note that remembrance of what God had done at Egypt was to fortify their faith. He had done it before and He was fully able to do it again! In other words Moses was not telling them to have a blind trust, but a trust based on past evidence of God's power. THOUGHT - How often believers fail to remember God's past great deliverances (and we all have some of those experiences) when they encounter a new trial or adversity. The tendency of all of us is to forget how BIG our God and instead to see our problem as BIG. We need to continually renew our minds with His Word so that we develop a God sized perspective. We need to run this short race of life keeping our eyes continually on Jesus (Heb 12:2). God's track record can always be trusted. McIntosh - If Israel's enemies had horses and chariots and greater numbers than theirs, they were first to do battle with their own fears and recognize that the Lord would be with them in battle. (Holman Old Testament Commentary) THOUGHT - There are wars in which the Lord God (Jehovah, Yahweh)—the true and living God—is on one side. Because of this fact, before ever declaring a war, a nation should seek the Lord God to make absolutely sure that the war is God's will. If it is not God's will, the war should never be declared. (Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Deuteronomy)
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - "The rabbis called this person “the anointed priest of battle.” Before battle, the priest admonished them to be brave because God was with them. Even if some died in battle, God would still take care of them and their families." (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) We have seen an example of Israel trying to fight without God in Nu 14:44-45 "But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses left the camp. 45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah." Deuteronomy 1:43 adds “So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. Instead you rebelled against the command of the LORD, and acted presumptuously and went up into the hill country." F B
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - yare is the common term for fear: of enemies—Deut. 1:21, 29; 2:4; 3:2, 22; 7:18, 19; 20:1, 3; 31:6; Josh. 11:6 peoples of the earth fear the people of God—Deut. 28:10 (cf. Josh. 4:24); Josh. 9:24 Israel is to fear/awe/respect YHWH—Deut. 4:10; 5:5; 6:2, 13, 24; 10:12, 20; 13:11; 14:23; 17:13, 19; 19:20; 21:21; 25:18; 28:58; 31:12; Josh. 4:24 (Deuteronomy 1 Commentary) Or panic - Refers to hurrying away in haste or fear, as when fleeing a battle (1 Sa 23:26, 1 Ki 7:15) In short this word means to flee or hurry away, with the connotation of being afraid. 2 Kings 7:15 tells of a whole army fleeing in terror. When four lepers went down from Samaria to the Aramean army, which was besieging the city, the LORD caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and the marching of a large army. Hearing this, they ran away in haste. Panic - 2648. חָפַז ḥāp̱az: A verb indicating to hurry, hurry away implying alarm (2Sa 4:4; 2Ki 7:15; nif 1Sa 23:26; 2Ki 7:15 K; Ps 48:6;), to fear, to flee. Be alarmed, be in fear (Dt 20:3; Job 40:23) It refers to hurrying away in haste or fear (2 Sam. 4:4) or in military flight (1 Sam. 23:26; 2 Kgs. 7:15). Leviathan does not react in haste and fear to anything (Job 40:23) nor become alarmed. It describes in figurative language how flood waters went down quickly at the Lord’s command (Ps. 104:7). Or tremble before them - To tremble means to be struck with dread and can mean literally to tremble. Tremble (dread, cause terror, shock) (06206) arats means to cause to tremble, to be alarmed, to be terrified, to dread, to be struck with awe or dread. Isaiah says the splendor of the majesty of Jehovah make the earth tremble (Isa 2:19, 21). Deuteronomy and Joshua repeatedly reminded the Israelites before battle to not fear because God would be with them - Dt. 1:29; Dt 7:21; Dt 20:3; Dt 31:6; Josh. 1:9). Each time, Israel was admonished not to fear the nations who dwelt in the Promised Land, and each admonishment was followed by a reason for the maintenance of courage.
Deuteronômio 20
Utley notes "It was not the size of Israel’s army, but the power of Israel’s God that made the difference! The smaller and less equipped the army, the more it magnified God’s victory (cf. Judges 7)." (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary)
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - In Israel, especially “holy war,” the spoils belonged to YHWH to show that the victory was His victory and that the land was His land. These verses are exceptions because these cities were outside the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Regarding the women there are more instructions in Dt 21:10-14+ - When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them away captive, 11 and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and have a desire for her and would take her as a wife for yourself, 12 then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13 “She shall also remove the clothes of her captivity and shall remain in your house, and mourn her father and mother a full month; and after that you may go in to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. 14 “It shall be, if you are not pleased with her, then you shall let her go wherever she wishes; but you shall certainly not sell her for money, you shall not mistreat her, because you have humbled her. Deere adds "The women in the nations mentioned in Dt 20:10–15 (i.e., from the Aramean culture) were not as degenerate as those from the Canaanite culture. Also Aramean women adopted the religions of their husbands. Abraham, for example, insisted that his servant get a wife from the Aramean culture for Isaac and not a Canaanite woman (Gen. 24). Thus the women and children of those nations could be spared. But one only needs to remember the influence of Jezebel who brought her husband Ahab under the worship of Baal to see the destructive effects of marriage to a Canaanite wife." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) God permitted Israel to take spoil in most battles (Deut. 20:14). This consisted of women, children, cattle and valuable goods. That a portion at least of the spoil was commonly dedicated to the Lord and used in connection with the tabernacle or temple service is evident from 2 Samuel 8:12 and especially 1 Chron. 26:27, in which David is said to dedicate part of the spoils of victory to the Lord. There were some occasions when the taking of spoil was not permitted, such as on the victory over Jericho or when an idolatrous Israelite city was to be destroyed (Deut. 13:17). Similarly when Saul was sent to exterminate the Amalekites, no spoil was to be taken (1 Samuel 15). The Scripture is very clear that the downfall and spoiling of cities is not an accident of military or political history, but that here also God is in sovereign control. Spoil (07998) shalal is a masculine noun which means spoils, plunder, booty, all referring to what is taken by force or violence usually in the context of war and taking spoils was sometimes one of the principle motivations for going to war. Military raids were sometimes ill-disguised plundering expeditions, such as the ill-fated Amalekite raid against Ziklag described in 1 Samuel 30:16, 19, 20, 22, 26. Sometimes shalal was seized as an act of political aggression (Esther 3:13; 8:11). Taking plunder or spoil was an act of aggression by the wicked on the weak or righteous (Pr 1:13). Take booty (0962) בָּזַז bāzaz: A verb meaning to loot, to plunder, to spoil, to rob. The word describes this destructive activity taken against cities or places (Gen. 34:27; 2 Kgs. 7:16), people and cattle (Num. 31:9; Isa. 10:2; 11:14). Its passive uses are similar with the meaning of be plundered (Isa. 24:3) or taken as spoil (Jer. 50:37). If Israel were obedient to God she would triumph over her enemies and would despoil them. This had been her experience during the latter part of the wilderness period and during the conquest of Canaan (Num 31:9, 32, 53; Josh 8:2, 27; etc.). God was pleased to give the spoil to them, only reserving to himself that which was designated ḥerem, devoted to God. By the same token, it is promised that in the latter days she will once again despoil her enemies (Isa 11:14; Zeph 2:9; etc.). God will act so mightily on Israel’s behalf that even the lame will take spoil (Isa 33:23). However, this will not happen simply because Israel is Israel, but because she will then be obedient and because the fruit of her enemies’ arrogance will have come to its full term (Ezk 26:5; 36:4; Jer 30:16). NIDOTTE - In common with the rest of the ANE, Israel practiced the taking of plunder in times of war (cf. Num 31:9–12; Deut 20:10–20). The plunder represented the wages of the soldiers (Ezek 29:19). In some cases the spoil was to be divided between the soldiers and civilians (Num 31:26–54; 1 Sam 30:24). Plunder might consist of women, children, cattle, clothing, material, and valuables like gold or silver (see Gen 34:27–29; Judg 5:30; Ezek 26:12). However, in particular cases of holy war, the practice of the ban (חֵרֶם; #3051) came into effect, and livestock was to be killed and all goods burned (Deut 13:16 [17]). Swanson - (qal) plunder, loot, carry off spoils, i.e., carry off goods from a conquered people by force, after a battle (Ge 34:27); (qal pass.) be plundered (Isa 42:22); (nif) be plundered (Am 3:11); (pual) be plundered (Jer 50:37+), (Dictionary of Semantic Domains - Hebrew) Bazaz - 39v - booty(1), completely despoiled(1), despoiled(1), looted(3), pillage(1), plunder(11), plunder of those who plundered(1), plundered(6), plunderers(1), prey(2), seize(4), seize the plunder(1), seize their as plunder(1), take(3), take as booty(1), take spoil(1), taken booty(1), taking(1), took(3), took as our booty(1), took as their plunder(1). Gen. 34:27; Gen. 34:29; Num. 31:9; Num. 31:32; Num. 31:53; Deut. 2:35; Deut. 3:7; Deut. 20:14; Jos. 8:2; Jos. 8:27; Jos. 11:14; 1 Sam. 14:36; 2 Ki. 7:16; 2 Chr. 14:14; 2 Chr. 20:25; 2 Chr. 25:13; 2 Chr. 28:8; Est. 3:13; Est. 8:11; Ps. 109:11; Isa. 10:2; Isa. 10:6; Isa. 11:14; Isa. 17:14; Isa. 24:3; Isa. 33:23; Isa. 42:22; Isa. 42:24; Jer. 20:5; Jer. 30:16; Jer. 50:37; Ezek. 26:12; Ezek. 29:19; Ezek. 38:12; Ezek. 38:13; Ezek. 39:10; Amos 3:11; Nah. 2:9; Zeph. 2:9 Deuteronomy 20:15 "Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations nearby. Deuteronomy 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITIES THAT ARE TO BE VASSAL STATES Vassal state - A vassal state is any state that has a mutual obligation to a superior state or empire, in a status similar to that of a vassal in the feudal system in medieval Europe. Vassal states were common among the Empires of the Near East, dating back to the era of the Egyptian, Hittite and Mitanni conflict, as well as Ancient China. The use of vassal states continued through the middle ages, with the last Empire to use such states being the Ottoman Empire. The relationships between vassal rulers and empires was dependent on the policies and agreements of each empire. While payment of tribute and military service is common amongst vassal states, the degree of independence and benefits given to vassal states varied. Grant - Israel must never forget that it was the Lord their God who had given them the city and all that was in it. Note that there is no question of a foe overcoming Israel. What is in view is the triumph of an obedient people who had submitted to the word of God out of devotion to the Lord. .(What the Bible Teaches – Leviticus and Deuteronomy) Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations nearby - NLT = ""But these instructions apply only to distant towns, not to the towns of the nations in the land you will enter." These instructions apply to cities outside Canaan but within the extensive territory promised to Abraham and his descendants (Ge 15:18–21). These cities were subject to Israel and by default acknowledged the sovereignty of Israel's God. Deere writes that "Apparently then the women and children had opportunity to be introduced to Israel’s religion." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Utley - These are surrender instructions about distant cities, cities on the periphery or out of the bounds of the Promised Land that God gave (i.e., outside Israel’s inheritance, cf. v. 15). (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Deuteronomy 20:16 "Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. De 7:1-4,16 Nu 21:2,3,35 33:52 Jos 6:17-21 9:24,27 10:28,40 Jos 11:11,12,14 Deuteronomy 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 7:1-4; 16+ “When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and stronger than you, 2 and when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them. 3 “Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. 4 “For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and He will quickly destroy you. (7:16) “You shall consume all the peoples whom the LORD your God will deliver to you; your eye shall not pity them, nor shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you. ANNIHILATE THE ANATHEMA Anathema describes a vehement denunciation as in this passage and speaks of detested persons or things. This was the divine dictate for the Canaanites (used generically of all the pagan peoples in the Promised Land). The need to remove the sinners from their midst had been stated at Mount Sinai Exodus 23:31-33+ “I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. 32 “You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. 33 “They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Note that in contrast to the verses above that provided exceptions for sparing lives of women and children because the cities were outside the Promised Land, Dt 20:16-18 deal with cities that are within the Promised Land and were to be shown no mercy or pity! Tragically Israel failed to obey God fully and the results are recorded in an entire book, called the Book of Judges, which might be subtitle the "Wages of Disobedience!" (For a good summary read especially Judges 2:1-23+).
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - How can this be done by a loving God? One answer is found in v. 18—a theological reason. If you don’t wipe them out they will theologically pollute you. Another answer is found in Deut. 9:4 and a third in Gen. 15:12–21. Human sins have consequences! (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) Deuteronomy 9:4+ “Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you. Genesis 15:12-21+ Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14“But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. 15“As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. 16“Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.” 17 It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: 19the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite 20and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim 21 and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.” Grant - Is there any lesson that can be learned today from these verses? First, it is a reminder that anything that is a danger to our devotion to the Lord must be dealt with in a relentless manner. No quarter must be given. Dealing partially with these dangers will but leave behind the seeds that can grow again and cause spiritual damage. There are enemies today that must be put to death. Paul’s teaching is uncompromising, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col 3:5+). Second, just as no covenants had to be made with the Canaanites, so the believer must not enter into any unequal yoke (2 Cor 6:14–18). There may have appeared to be attractive reasons for doing so, if an apparently amicable agreement could be made that, on the surface, left the Canaanites and the Israelites free to pursue their lives in “peace”. Such a policy, as has already been noted, led to the introduction of idolatry within Israel. (see 2 Cor 7:1+) .(What the Bible Teaches – Leviticus and Deuteronomy) McIntosh - Stubborn and Rebellious - It is no accident that the expression used in verse 18 to describe a wayward son is elsewhere used of Israel, God's own wayward son. In Jeremiah 5:23, God describes the imminent destruction of Judah with the plaintive words, "But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away." Identical language is used to describe the generation of the exodus: "They would not be like their forefathers—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him" (Ps. 78:8). The Israelite parent whose child ignored all his instruction could know in a small measure the sorrow that Israel caused Yahweh. (Holman Old Testament Commentary) Deuteronomy 20:19 "When you besiege a city a long time, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down. For is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you? shall not: Mt 3:10 7:15-20 21:19 Lu 13:7-9 Joh 15:2-8 trees, De 26:6 Deuteronomy 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NO CHOPPING DOWN THE FRUIT TREES When you besiege a city a long time, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe (lit - an iron) against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down - Not "IF" but "WHEN" - They will besiege a city. Trees were needed for fuel and building siegeworks. But here the restriction is against destroying trees that gave fruit to eat (explained further in following passage).
Deuteronômio 20
Utley - Walled cities in the ancient Near East were attacked by wooden siege machines. The wood was to be taken from non-fruit bearing tree, probably because this produce would be needed later by the Israeli inhabitants of the defeated city. (Deuteronomy 20 Commentary) That (Purpose) you may construct siegeworks against the city that is making war with you until it falls - NET Note - Siegeworks - Heb “[an] enclosure.” The term מָצוֹר (matsor) may refer to encircling ditches or to surrounding stagings. See R. de Vaux, Ancient Israel, 238.(Deuteronomy 20) Grant has some spiritual lessons from the conservation of trees, etc - Spiritual Lessons - The spiritual provision that has been made for believers must be passed on intact. The source of spiritual sustenance must not be destroyed. The Word of God in all its fullness has to be handed down to the following generation so that it will be able to enjoy what has been enjoyed by previous generations. To pass on a denuded spiritual landscape robs those who come after. One other important issue highlighted is that the long-term effect of actions must be considered. Where there are difficulties, the means of solving them must not leave problems to be faced by those who follow. Spiritual short sightedness is a failing, the consequences of which have to be faced by others. .(What the Bible Teaches – Leviticus and Deuteronomy)