Deuteronomy 20 Commentary

Moses commanded the Israelites not to fear their adversaries in the event of war because Yahweh, the great warrior, is the one who fights for them.

Moses prescribed regulations concerning how the Israelites are to conduct themselves in war against adversaries that are either far or near.

Moses asked the Israelites to protect the trees when they besiege a city. Non-fruit bearing trees could be cut down and used in building siegeworks, but fruit-bearing trees were to be left intact in order to produce food for the Israelite army.