Contradiction with Genesis 1:29
This verse states that every seed-bearing plant is given for food, whereas Deuteronomy 20:19 suggests not cutting down trees for food during a siege.
Genesis 1:29: And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [bearing...: Heb. seeding seed] [yielding...: Heb. seeding seed]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:12
This verse speaks of trees clapping their hands as a symbol of joy, while Deuteronomy 20:19 is about not destroying the trees, implying their protection can also be a form of joy.
Isaiah 55:12: For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:19
This verse states that every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, contradicting Deuteronomy 20:19, which advises against cutting trees used for food.
Matthew 7:19: Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 20:19 instructs not to destroy trees during a siege because they provide food. Some might see a contradiction with other passages where God commands the destruction of enemy cities, including their resources, suggesting different attitudes toward environmental destruction and warfare. This inconsistency can raise questions about when it is acceptable to harm nature for human purposes.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the ancient practice of siege warfare. In many ancient cultures, cutting down trees to build siege works or for other military purposes was common. However, this verse advises against cutting down fruit trees during a siege. This could conflict with practical military strategies of the time, which often didn't prioritize environmental or agricultural considerations.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Deuteronomy 20:19 may arise from the directive to show care for trees during warfare, which seems inconsistent with the destruction that war inherently brings to human life and the environment. This could highlight a conflict between the preservation of nature and the acceptance of war's destructive impact.