Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "spoils of war" in the Bible refers to the goods, livestock, and captives taken by victors in battle. This practice was common in ancient warfare and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The spoils often included precious metals, clothing, livestock, and sometimes people, who were taken as slaves or servants.Biblical Instances and Regulations 1. Early Examples: The first mention of spoils in the Bible occurs in Genesis 14, where Abram (later Abraham) rescues his nephew Lot and recovers goods taken by the kings who had captured Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram refuses to take any of the spoils for himself, saying, "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). 2. The Conquest of Canaan: During the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were often commanded by God to destroy everything in certain cities, such as Jericho, where they were instructed to devote all spoils to the Lord (Joshua 6:17-19). However, in other instances, they were allowed to take spoils for themselves, as seen in the battle against Ai, where God instructed Joshua, "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" (Joshua 8:2). 3. King Saul and the Amalekites: In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Instead, he spares King Agag and the best of the livestock. This act of disobedience leads to God's rejection of Saul as king. Samuel confronts Saul, saying, "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?" (1 Samuel 15:19). 4. David's Campaigns: King David frequently engaged in battles and collected spoils. In 1 Samuel 30, after the Amalekites raided Ziklag, David pursued them and recovered all that was taken, including the spoils. David established a principle of sharing the spoils equally among those who fought and those who stayed with the supplies, saying, "The share of the one who goes into battle shall be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike" (1 Samuel 30:24). 5. The Division of Spoils: The division of spoils was often a matter of law and custom. Numbers 31 details the division of spoils after the battle against the Midianites, where Moses and Eleazar the priest were instructed to divide the spoils between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community, with a portion set aside for the Lord. Moral and Ethical Considerations The taking of spoils in the Bible is often accompanied by divine instruction, reflecting the belief that God is sovereign over the outcomes of battles and the distribution of wealth. The ethical considerations surrounding the spoils of war are complex, as they involve issues of obedience to divine commands, justice, and the treatment of captives. The New Testament does not focus on the spoils of war, as the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize peace, forgiveness, and spiritual warfare rather than physical conflict. However, the Old Testament accounts provide insight into the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel and the surrounding nations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 14:11,12And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 31:9,10 Deuteronomy 2:35 Greek 205. akrothinion -- the top of a heap, ie the best of the spoils ... fruits, spoil, treasure (taken in war). Word Origin from the same as akron and this (a heap) Definition the top of a heap, ie the best of the spoils NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/205.htm - 6k Library Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... Acts of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. I Will not Yield My Sword, I Will not Yield My Sword, Whether Robbery May be Committed Without Sin? Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in New England Wave, Wave Your Banners High, PM Mrs. Hemans. The Pilgrim Fathers. Of the Wickedness of the War Waged by the Romans against the ... How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The Resources What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org Spoils: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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