Deuteronomy 3:7
But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבְּהֵמָ֛ה
But all the cattle
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֛ה
But all the cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
2 of 6
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 #:
4 of 6
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 as spoil provided necessary resources for a nomadic people preparing to settle the land. This practice (permitted in Transjordan but restricted in Canaan proper) gave Israel economic foundation while eliminating the human sources of religious corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes provide for you through the defeat of spiritual enemies?
- What resources in your life should be consecrated to God's purposes rather than destroyed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The exception clause 'But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves' shows that while human life was judged, material resources were preserved for Israel's use. This distinction reveals that herem targeted moral corruption, not economic destruction. God's provision included utilizing the enemy's resources to bless His people—turning judgment on evil into blessing for the righteous.