Deuteronomy 2:35
Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֥ק
H7535
רַ֥ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
Only the cattle
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
Only the cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים
of the cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים
of the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Taking livestock and goods provided practical resources for Israel's sustenance and upcoming settlement. This differed from Jericho (Joshua 6:17-19) where everything was devoted to God or destroyed. The variation in herem application shows God's commands fit specific circumstances—principles remain consistent while applications vary according to divine direction.
Questions for Reflection
- What resources in your life can be redeemed and repurposed for God's glory?
- How do you discern between what must be completely rejected and what can be sanctified?
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Analysis & Commentary
The preservation of resources—'only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities'—shows that herem targeted moral corruption, not economic destruction. Material goods could be purified and repurposed for God's people. This distinction teaches that not everything in the world is irredeemable—some things can be sanctified and used for holy purposes once separated from corrupting influences.