But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city--all its spoil--you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder,For cities outside the land of Canaan that rejected Israel’s offer of peace, the Israelites were permitted to take the surviving people and material goods after the men had been defeated. Unlike the Canaanite cities marked for complete destruction because of their entrenched wickedness, these cities were not placed under the same ban. Livestock, food, tools, and valuables strengthened Israel’s households and sustained the nation during its settlement of the land. Num 31:9-11 The Israelites captured the Midianite women… and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. Israel was not to regard victory or its benefits as the product of military strength alone. The land, the victory, and the resources gained from battle belonged ultimately to the LORD, who gave them to His people. The command also placed the use of plunder under God’s authority rather than personal greed or uncontrolled violence. Jos 8:1-2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God who are receiving instructions on warfare and conduct from Moses. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and laws to the people. 3. Canaan The land promised to the Israelites, where they are to conquer and settle. 4. Spoil/Plunder The goods and resources taken from conquered cities, which the Israelites are permitted to use. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who provides guidance and victory in battles. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites are reminded to follow God's specific instructions in warfare, highlighting the importance of obedience in all aspects of life. God's Provision The spoil is described as something "the LORD your God gives you," emphasizing that all provision comes from God, and we should recognize His hand in our blessings. Moral and Ethical Conduct While the Israelites are allowed to take plunder, they are also called to act within the boundaries set by God, teaching us to maintain integrity and righteousness in our dealings. Trust in God's Sovereignty The passage underscores the belief that God is in control of victories and outcomes, encouraging believers to trust in His plans and timing. Stewardship of Resources The use of plunder should be seen as a responsibility, reminding us to be good stewards of what God provides, using resources wisely and for His glory. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the instruction in Deuteronomy 20:14 reflect the broader theme of obedience in the book of Deuteronomy?2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives today, similar to how the Israelites received the spoil? 3. How can we apply the principle of stewardship from this passage to our management of resources and possessions? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by biblical figures who disobeyed God's commands regarding plunder? 5. How does the concept of storing treasures in heaven, as taught by Jesus, challenge or complement the idea of taking earthly plunder in Deuteronomy 20:14? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6The conquest of Jericho, where specific instructions about the spoils are given, showing the importance of obedience to God's commands regarding plunder. 1 Samuel 15 The account of King Saul and the Amalekites, illustrating the consequences of disobedience in handling the spoils of war. Proverbs 16:3 Encourages committing actions to the Lord, which can be related to the Israelites' need to follow God's commands in warfare. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven, which contrasts with the earthly plunder mentioned in Deuteronomy.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, PerizzitesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Animals, Booty, Cattle, Eat, Eaten, Enemies, Enjoy, Gives, Giveth, Hast, Haters, Infants, Livestock, Ones, Plunder, Prey, Seize, Spoil, Thereof, Thyself, Town, Wealth, Women, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 20:1-20Library 'Fit, Though Few''Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 20:14 NIVDeuteronomy 20:14 NLT Deuteronomy 20:14 ESV Deuteronomy 20:14 NASB Deuteronomy 20:14 KJV Deuteronomy 20:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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