Do Not Cut Down the Trees

Do Not Cut Down the Trees

"When you mount an attack on a town and the siege goes on a long time, don't start cutting down the trees, swinging your axes against them. Those trees are your future food; don't cut them down. Are the trees soldiers who come against you with weapons?" (Deut. 20:19)

"Do not cut down the trees" was God's unusual instruction to Israel’s warriors. At first glance, it may seem strange—what does warfare have to do with trees? But God was teaching them a profound principle.

He told them that if a siege took longer than expected, they must not destroy the fruit trees around the city. Why? Because those trees represented their future food. Cutting them down meant destroying tomorrow’s provision because of today’s frustration. It was a warning against short-sighted reactions.

But even deeper than that, it is a lesson about the danger of transferring aggression.

Often, when things take longer than we expected, when plans are delayed, or when pressure mounts, we vent our frustration on the wrong things—and the wrong people. Just like cutting down the trees, we damage what should nourish us later.

David’s men did the same. When they returned to Ziklag and found their homes burned and their families taken captive, they spoke of stoning David—yet David was the very instrument God would use to recover everything they lost. That’s the danger of misdirected anger: it blinds us to solutions and harms the very relationships God intends to use for our restoration.

Scripture urges us to govern our emotions. Jesus said:

"In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19)

In other words, when things don’t go as planned, don’t lose yourself. Stay in control. Don’t destroy your future because of present pressure. Don’t cut down the trees.

Reflection

Delays and pressure can push us to react in anger, hurting the very things and people God intends to bless us through. “Do not cut down the trees” reminds us to stay calm, guard our emotions, and protect what we will need tomorrow. Patience keeps us from destroying our future in a moment of frustration.

Prayer

Lord, help me stay calm when things take longer than I expect. Keep me from reacting in anger or damaging what You have prepared for my future. Give me patience, wisdom, and self-control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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