Definition and Context:
Loot, in the biblical context, refers to the spoils of war or plunder taken during military conquests. It encompasses goods, livestock, and valuables seized from defeated enemies. The concept of loot is prevalent in the Old Testament, where it often signifies God's provision or judgment, depending on the context.

Biblical Instances:

1. Abraham's Rescue of Lot (Genesis 14):
One of the earliest mentions of loot in the Bible occurs when Abraham rescues his nephew Lot from the coalition of kings who had taken him captive. After defeating the kings, Abraham retrieves all the goods and people taken as plunder. Notably, Abraham refuses to keep any of the loot for himself, saying to the king of Sodom, "I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich'" (Genesis 14:23). This act underscores Abraham's reliance on God rather than material wealth.

2. The Conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6):
During the conquest of Jericho, God commands the Israelites to destroy the city and devote all the silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron to the Lord's treasury. The Israelites are instructed not to take any loot for themselves, as these items are considered "devoted things" (Joshua 6:18-19). Achan's disobedience in taking some of the loot leads to Israel's defeat at Ai and his subsequent punishment, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands regarding plunder.

3. David's Battles (1 Samuel 30):
When the Amalekites raid Ziklag and take David's family and possessions, David seeks the Lord's guidance and pursues the raiders. After defeating them, David recovers all that was taken and distributes the loot among his men and the elders of Judah (1 Samuel 30:18-26). This event illustrates the principle of sharing God's blessings and the importance of equitable distribution of resources.

4. The Division of Spoils (Numbers 31):
In the battle against the Midianites, God instructs Moses on how to divide the spoils. The loot is to be shared between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community, with a portion dedicated to the Lord as a tribute (Numbers 31:25-30). This division underscores the communal aspect of God's provision and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all possessions.

Theological Implications:

Loot in the Bible often serves as a test of faith and obedience. The handling of plunder reflects one's trust in God's provision and adherence to His commands. The narratives involving loot emphasize the importance of recognizing God's ultimate ownership of all material wealth and the need for integrity and justice in its distribution.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The biblical treatment of loot raises questions about the morality of war and the ethical use of resources. While the Old Testament context often involves divine directives, the underlying principles of justice, stewardship, and reliance on God remain relevant. Believers are called to prioritize spiritual wealth over material gain and to use resources in ways that honor God and serve the community.1. (v.) To plunder; to steal; to pillage.

2. (n.) Plunder; booty; especially, the boot taken in a conquered or sacked city.

3. (v. t. & i.) To plunder; to carry off as plunder or a prize lawfully obtained by war.

7971. shalach -- to send
... loose (2), let...down (1), let...go (3), lets his loose (1), lets you go (1), letting
the go (1), letting them go (1), letting us go (1), loot (1), pointing (1 ...
/hebrew/7971.htm - 7k

3874. lut -- to wrap closely or tightly, enwrap, envelop
... lut. 3875 . to wrap closely or tightly, enwrap, envelop. Transliteration: lut
Phonetic Spelling: (loot) Short Definition: wrapped. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3874.htm - 5k

7997b. shalal -- to spoil, plunder
... root Definition to spoil, plunder NASB Word Usage capture (5), loot (1), looted
(1), make a spoil (1), makes himself a prey (1), plunder (2), plundered (1 ...
/hebrew/7997b.htm - 5k

The Patriarchs.
... held by the sons of Canaan, where he was a stranger, wandering with his flocks and
herds and servants from one green pasture to another, without a loot of land ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

"We have no Might. " 2 Chron. xx. 12
... gather the spoil. When shall we spoil our foes? When shall we loot the
devil? How one's fingers itch to take his goods! The time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xv we have no might.htm

Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900)
... knowing what to do a man came up as if to strike, but whispered, "Leave the carts."
By that time the onlookers began to rush forward to get the loot, but the ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/v our deliverance from the.htm

Thessalonica and Berea
... riot. Anything that would give an opportunity for hurting somebody, and for
loot, would attract them as corruption does flesh-flies. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/thessalonica and berea.htm

The Story of a Divine Tragedy
... "John is an adventurer that believes in nothing, has no cause and furthers this
warfare for loot and the possible chance of escape when the conflict comes.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter x the story of.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... main idea is that of continuance. It remains; it abides; for Zion does loot
break up when the assembly is gone. We do not leave the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

The Sack of Rome
... Now, how did it come about that this monstrous loot took on before the eyes
of contemporaries the magnitude of a world-catastrophe? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

Love and Remorse
... and spare them not,' We shudder at such ferocious extermination, but we are to remember
that Saul was moved by no pity, but by mere lust for loot, and tried to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
Commentary on Revelation. <. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Loot (15 Occurrences)
...Loot (15 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Amos 3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right,"
says Yahweh, "Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces." (WEB NIV). ...
/l/loot.htm - 11k

Looted (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Loot. Multi-Version Concordance
Looted (9 Occurrences). Genesis 34:27 Jacob's sons came ...
/l/looted.htm - 9k

Loosing (7 Occurrences)

/l/loosing.htm - 8k

Devastation (17 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Amos 3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh,
"Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces." (See NAS). ...
/d/devastation.htm - 11k

Citadels (15 Occurrences)
... NAS). Amos 3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh, "Who
hoard plunder and loot in their palaces." (See NAS). Amos ...
/c/citadels.htm - 9k

Hoard (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Amos 3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh,
"Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces." (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/h/hoard.htm - 7k

Palaces (37 Occurrences)
... Amos 3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh, "Who hoard plunder
and loot in their palaces." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/p/palaces.htm - 17k

Looting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Loot. Multi-Version Concordance
Looting (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 23:1 And they told ...
/l/looting.htm - 6k

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