Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, "spoils" refers to the goods, wealth, or property taken by force or as a result of victory in battle. The concept of spoils is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where it often signifies God's provision and judgment. The acquisition and distribution of spoils were integral to the warfare practices of ancient Israel and surrounding nations.Old Testament Context The Hebrew word for spoils is "shalal," which appears frequently in the context of warfare. The spoils of war included livestock, precious metals, clothing, and other valuable items. In many instances, the spoils were seen as a divine blessing for obedience and victory. For example, in the conquest of Canaan, God commanded the Israelites to take spoils from their defeated enemies as part of His promise to give them the land (Joshua 8:2). One notable instance of spoils is found in the account of Abraham, who rescued his nephew Lot and recovered the spoils taken by the kings who had captured Sodom and Gomorrah. After his victory, Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18-20). This act is often cited as an early example of tithing. The distribution of spoils was also regulated by Mosaic Law. In Numbers 31, after the Israelites defeated the Midianites, God instructed Moses on how to divide the spoils. A portion was to be given to the warriors, another to the rest of the community, and a tribute was to be offered to the Lord (Numbers 31:25-30). New Testament Context While the New Testament does not focus heavily on the concept of spoils, it does use the term metaphorically. In Colossians 2:15, the Apostle Paul writes, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Here, the imagery of spoils is used to describe Christ's victory over spiritual forces, suggesting that through His death and resurrection, Jesus has claimed victory and taken spoils from the powers of darkness. Theological Implications Theologically, spoils in the Bible can be seen as a symbol of God's justice and provision. The taking of spoils was often a sign of divine favor and a reward for faithfulness. However, the misuse or wrongful taking of spoils could lead to judgment, as seen in the account of Achan, who took forbidden spoils from Jericho, resulting in Israel's defeat at Ai (Joshua 7). The concept of spoils also underscores the theme of spiritual warfare in the Christian life. Believers are called to be victorious over sin and evil, with the understanding that Christ has already secured the ultimate victory. The spoils of this spiritual battle are the blessings and inheritance promised to those who remain faithful. Conclusion In summary, the concept of spoils in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of victory, provision, and divine justice. It reflects the historical practices of ancient warfare while also pointing to deeper spiritual truths about God's sovereignty and the believer's triumph in Christ. Greek 205. akrothinion -- the top of a heap, ie the best of the spoils ... the top of a heap, ie the best of the spoils. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: akrothinion Phonetic Spelling: (ak-roth-in'-ee-on) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/205.htm - 6k 4661. skulon -- arms stripped from a foe, ie spoils 3470. momos -- blame, disgrace, blemish 4812. sulagogeo -- to carry off as spoil Strong's Hebrew 698. orbah -- an artifice... spoils. Feminine of 'oreb (only in the plural); ambuscades -- spoils. see HEBREW 'oreb. 697, 698. orbah. 699 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/698.htm - 6k Library December 23. "Out of the Spoils Won in Battles, did they Dedicate ... Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... Whether Robbery May be Committed Without Sin? He Returns to Explain the Prophecy of Isaiah. There were Some Bold Young Men of the Village of Dabaritta... Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. He Proves that this Prophecy Harmonizes with Christ Alone, from ... Argument: Then He Shows that C??cilius had Been Wrong in Asserting ... Schin. The Marvel Is, not that Men have Failed to Know Christ... Thesaurus Spoils (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Spoils (19 Occurrences). Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and ... /s/spoils.htm - 12k Booty (32 Occurrences) Spoil (140 Occurrences) Warfare (18 Occurrences) War (529 Occurrences) Plunder (118 Occurrences) Dig (24 Occurrences) Collar (6 Occurrences) Reuben (73 Occurrences) Spoiling (20 Occurrences) Resources Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Valley of Achor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Spoils: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spoils (19 Occurrences)Matthew 6:19 Matthew 6:20 Luke 11:22 Hebrews 7:2 Hebrews 7:4 Exodus 15:9 Numbers 31:11 Numbers 31:12 Numbers 31:27 Numbers 31:32 Joshua 7:21 Joshua 11:14 Judges 5:19 Judges 5:30 1 Samuel 15:19 1 Chronicles 26:27 Isaiah 25:11 Isaiah 33:23 Isaiah 53:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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