In the biblical context, the concept of "plunder" often appears in narratives involving warfare, conquest, and divine judgment. Plunder refers to the goods, wealth, or possessions taken by force, typically during military campaigns. The Bible provides numerous accounts where plunder plays a significant role, reflecting both the material and spiritual dimensions of God's dealings with His people and their enemies.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently mentions plunder in the context of Israel's battles and conquests. One of the earliest references is found in the account of Abram (later Abraham), who rescued his nephew Lot and recovered goods taken by the kings who had captured Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 14:16 states, "He recovered all the goods, along with his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people."

The conquest of Canaan under Joshua also involved plunder. In Joshua 8:2 , God instructs Joshua regarding the city of Ai: "And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city." This directive highlights the divine sanction of plunder as part of the conquest strategy, distinguishing it from the total destruction commanded at Jericho.

The narrative of King Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15 further illustrates the theme of plunder. God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, intending to offer them as sacrifices. This act of disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king. 1 Samuel 15:19 records the prophet Samuel's rebuke: "Why did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?"

Prophetic and Wisdom Literature

The prophetic books often use the imagery of plunder to describe God's judgment on nations. In Isaiah 10:6 , Assyria is depicted as an instrument of divine wrath: "I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets." Here, plunder signifies the totality of divine retribution.

Proverbs also addresses the moral implications of plunder. Proverbs 1:13-14 warns against the enticement of ill-gotten gain: "We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse." This passage cautions against the allure of wealth obtained through violence and deceit.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the concept of plunder, it does address the spiritual implications of material wealth and possessions. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the transient nature of earthly treasures and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). The apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against greed and covetousness, which can be seen as a form of spiritual plunder (Ephesians 5:5).

In summary, the biblical theme of plunder serves as a multifaceted symbol of divine justice, human greed, and the moral choices facing God's people. It underscores the tension between material wealth and spiritual obedience, reminding believers of the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly possessions.2 Samuel 12:30
And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 26:27
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 24:23
And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them to the king of Damascus.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning the Calamity that Befell Antiochus, King of Commagene. ...
... this time laid a design of falling upon Media, and the parts beyond it, in order
to plunder them; with which intention they treated with the king of Hyrcania ...
/.../chapter 7 concerning the calamity.htm

Letter Lxi (AD 1138) to Louis the Younger, King of the French.
... we are terrified to delay, as we see the land given over to plunder and robbery ... For
in what else that has been done can the king's majesty be truly said to have ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter lxi a d 1138 to.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... to be the sole authority, and, in his conscious integrity, calls for a public, full
discharge, in the presence of the king. ... They would be poor plunder nowadays ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

After the Terrible Siege of Samaria was Ended in Accordance with ...
... to the king that the Syrians had fled, for they thought this more virtuous than
to withhold the information and keep for themselves the plunder gained by deceit ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xx after the terrible.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... their minds where they should go to fight and plunder. Among the chiefs was Naaman
the Syrian, a young man who led them out to battle when the king could not go ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
... The man that goes forth at the still, dark, hour of midnight to plunder our habitations,
how startled would he be if an inmate should noiselessly and suddenly ...
/.../inconsideration deplored rev joshua priestley.htm

How David Fell in Love with Bathsheba, and Slew Her Husband Uriah ...
... army, and came to the destruction of Rabbah; and when he had taken it by force,
he gave it to his soldiers to plunder it; but he himself took the king of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how david fell.htm

Fall of the Western Empire (Ad 451-476)
... should be spared, but Genseric gave up the place for fourteen days to plunder, and
the sufferings of the people were frightful. The Vandal king returned to ...
/.../chapter xxiii fall of the.htm

The Restoration of the Jews.
... Zedekiah, the king, determined to make a sortie, with as strong a force as he ... stormed,
and, as usual in such cases, it was given up to plunder and destruction. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ix the restoration of.htm

How
... Macedonians Apelleus, in the hundred and fifty-third olympiad, that the king came
up to ... dedicated to it of very great value,] and in order to plunder its wealth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how.htm

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? | GotQuestions.org

King: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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