Scorched Earth Policy
From Eco-Bible 1
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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This is a relatively new term. Care must be taken when attempting to interpret ancient history (in any culture) on the basis of modern-day perspectives and definitions of issues.
Technically: A reference to destroying whatever may be of use to your enemy.
- Often it includes the destruction of food sources, such as fruit trees. Note that, when Israel entered the land of Canaan, God forbade doing this - Deuteronomy 20:19-20).
Here: The following verses may be a bit broader in scope, including the destroying the enemy himself.
- This broader definition may at times be close to: Genocide
Important Distinction
- This page does not include instances in which a nation became so wicked that God said they must be destroyed.
- Rather, it includes instances in which people decided on their own to destroy, or went further than what God commanded (i.e., caused greater devastation), etc. (Scripture defines both of these actions as sin.)
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- (Jdg 6:3-5) - ... the Midianites (and others) came up, against Israel ... and destroyed the increase of the earth, ... and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey... they came into the land to destroy it.
- The men of Israel turned again on the children of Benjamin, and struck them with the edge of the sword, both the entire city [Gibeah], and the livestock, and all that they found: moreover all the cities which they found they set on fire.
- This is after the battle (in which there were 600 survivors). Israel began to destroy everything there was that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin... and only later realized how terrible their actions had been. (It was far beyond anything God would have permitted within the context of warfare.)
- (Just a reference to the issue. This specific passage does not apply, because the destruction (which was not permanent) was done as an act of obedience to God.)
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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