Deu 20:19 | TNotes | STEP | 20:19 do not cut down the trees: Ordinarily, trees might be cut down during a war so the enemy could not benefit from them. However, since the Israelites were occupying the enemy’s former land, the trees could be of use to them.

‏ Deuteronomy 20:19

20:19 ^a do not cut down the trees: Ordinarily, trees might be cut down during a war so the enemy could not benefit from them. However, since the Israelites were occupying the enemy’s former land, the trees could be of use to them.