In biblical times, the term "booties" refers to the spoils of war or plunder taken by victors after a battle. This concept is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where the Israelites, under divine command, often engaged in warfare with surrounding nations. The acquisition of booties was not merely an act of enrichment but was often seen as a fulfillment of God's promises and a demonstration of His favor upon His people.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 31:9-11 : "The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all their cattle, flocks, and goods as plunder. They burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals."

In this passage, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, are commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. The capture of booties, including livestock and goods, is part of the divine directive, illustrating the concept of holy war where the spoils are seen as a divine provision.

2. Joshua 8:27 : "Israel took for themselves only the cattle and the plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua."

After the conquest of Ai, the Israelites are permitted to take the spoils, unlike the previous battle of Jericho where they were commanded to devote everything to destruction. This selective allowance of booties underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions regarding warfare and plunder.

3. 1 Samuel 30:19-20 : "Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back. He took all the flocks and herds, and they drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, 'This is David’s plunder.'"

Here, David's recovery of the booties from the Amalekites highlights his role as a divinely appointed leader who restores what was lost. The narrative emphasizes God's providence and the restoration of His people's fortunes through faithful leadership.

Theological Significance:

The concept of booties in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the themes of divine justice, judgment, and provision. The taking of spoils was often seen as a tangible sign of God's blessing and favor upon His people. However, it also came with strict divine instructions, as seen in the case of Achan in Joshua 7, where disobedience regarding the devoted things led to severe consequences for Israel.

Moreover, the distribution of booties was sometimes used to promote unity and fairness among the Israelites. For instance, in 1 Samuel 30:24-25, David establishes a principle that those who stay with the supplies will share equally in the plunder with those who fight, promoting a sense of communal responsibility and equality.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the practice of taking booties was common among warring nations. It served not only as a means of economic gain but also as a demonstration of power and victory. The biblical narrative, however, frames this practice within the context of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where obedience to His commands regarding warfare and plunder was paramount.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

While the acquisition of booties is a historical reality in the biblical narrative, it raises moral and ethical questions for contemporary readers. The biblical text often presents these events as part of God's sovereign plan, challenging believers to consider the complexities of divine justice and human agency. The emphasis on obedience, fairness, and communal sharing in the distribution of booties offers ethical insights that transcend the ancient context and speak to issues of justice and stewardship today.

Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans
... Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall exact usury of thee, and awake that
shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? ...
/.../habakkuks rhapsody of the chaldeans.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... "Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his, and ladeth himself with thick
clay, they shall be for booties to the Lord's spoilers," Habakkuk 2:6. Woe to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Booties (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Booties (1 Occurrence). Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they
not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that ...
/b/booties.htm - 6k

Booths (24 Occurrences)

/b/booths.htm - 14k

Booty (32 Occurrences)

/b/booty.htm - 18k

Disturb (12 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they not rise suddenly that shall bite thee, and
awake that shall disturb thee, and thou shalt be for booties to them? (WBS). ...
/d/disturb.htm - 10k

Bite (13 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that
shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/bite.htm - 12k

Vex (20 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that
shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? (KJV ASV DBY). ...
/v/vex.htm - 14k

Awake (83 Occurrences)
... (BBE WBS). Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and
awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? ...
/a/awake.htm - 33k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus