Contradiction with Genesis 1:29
Suggests that God provides every plant yielding seed for food, implying preservation rather than destruction.
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 11:6-9
Describes a peaceful kingdom where harm and destruction are abolished, contrasting with the destruction of non-fruit trees for siege.
Isaiah 11:6-9: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Encourages love for enemies, which contrasts with the warfare context and destruction in Deuteronomy 20:20.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
"For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," promotes peace, opposing the military actions in Deuteronomy 20:20.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Contradiction with Romans 12:18
Encourages living peaceably with all men, which contradicts the concept of laying siege and cutting down trees for warfare.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Paradox #1
This instruction might seem morally inconsistent because it involves the destruction of natural resources, like trees, during wartime, which could be seen as contradictory to the value of preservation and care for the environment.