PREPARATION FOR BATTLE (DEUTERONOMY 20:1). Israel was on the verge of a holy war, and instructions as to how to face up to such a fact were very necessary. They were not a warlike people, or a trained army, and what faced them would be daunting. Nor were their warleaders particularly experienced. A... [ Continue Reading ]
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BESIEGING A CITY (DEUTERONOMY 20:10). Israel had already experienced sieges in their battles with the Amorite kings. Once they had entered Canaan they would also have to besiege Canaanite cities. There total slaughter would be the order of the day. But Moses did not want them to see... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PRESERVATION OF TREES (DEUTERONOMY 20:19). Analysis using the words of Moses: a When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them b For you may eat of them, and you shall not cut them down, for is th... [ Continue Reading ]