The answer is: Trees for meat

Deut 20:19-20

When the Israelites laid siege to a city in ancient times, Deuteronomy 20:19-20 specifically instructed them not to destroy the fruit-bearing trees. This may initially seem like an odd command amidst the chaos of warfare, but there's a lot to unpack here!

First, this prohibition underscores the importance of sustaining life. In a culture where agriculture was paramount, trees provided not just food for immediate needs but also resources for future sustenance. Even during wartime, the principles of stewardship and respect for nature could not be ignored. This is somewhat akin to another biblical sentiment about caring for creation, suggesting a connectedness between people and the environment.

Another interesting note is that this command illustrates a remarkable contrast to other ancient military practices, which often included scorched-earth tactics. Rather than decimating the land and sowing despair, the Israelites were urged to preserve the good.

In fact, trees like olives and figs weren’t just food; they were also symbols of peace and prosperity in the Hebrew tradition. Their preservation conveyed hope for a pastoral future—a reminder that war, no matter how dire, wasn't an end but a means to restore life afterward.

This teaching resonates throughout the scriptures where themes of restoration ecology emerge. The promise of restoration after destruction reflects a broader cyclical view of life, one that encourages hope even in the face of adversity. How refreshing it is to think that amidst strife, there stands a command to protect that which nurtures and sustains!