Deuteronomy 2:35 Meaning: Why Did God Let Israel Keep the Plunder?
Only the livestock we took for plunder for ourselves, with the plunder of the cities which we had taken.
Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, with the spoil of the cities which we had taken.
only, the cattle we have spoiled for ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we have captured.
Only the cattle we took as booty for ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
Meaning in one sentence
Learn why God permitted Israel to take livestock and plunder after defeating Sihon, even as the people were utterly destroyed.
Context
Moses is speaking to the Israelites who stand ready to enter the promised land. He recounts the victory over Sihon of Heshbon. God had hardened Sihon's heart and delivered him into Israel's hands. The people were utterly destroyed under the ban, every man, woman, and child. But this verse clarifies that the livestock and the plunder from the cities were taken by the Israelites for themselves. This pattern reflected God's instructions for how the spoils of war were to be handled. The goods became provision for the march ahead, while the land was cleared of its wicked inhabitants.
Key Words
Two or three Hebrew words help us see what is happening in this verse. The word "only" (rak) is small but important. It marks the boundary: this is the extent of what they kept. It shows careful obedience to the divine command about the ban. The verb "we took as plunder" (bazaz) carries the sense of legitimate seizure in war, not theft, but the rightful taking of what God had allowed. And the noun "spoil" (shalal) is the same term used throughout the Old Testament for the provision God grants His people after a victory. Together, these words remind us that God is not a stingy giver. When He grants a victory, He also provides what His people need for what lies ahead.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this verse as part of the larger story of God's judgment and provision. Reformed commentators like Matthew Henry and John Gill note that the Israelites preserved the cattle for their own use, while the human population was devoted to destruction. The Anglican Cambridge Bible similarly highlights the distinction between the ban on people and the keeping of livestock and spoils. Lutheran and Catholic interpreters also see this as consistent with the herem laws, God's judgment on the Amorites was total for the people, but the material goods were not under the same sentence. All traditions recognize that God provided for His people's practical needs even in the midst of severe judgment.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume the "ban" required total destruction of everything in the conquered cities. This verse shows otherwise. The ban applied only to the people, while the property was not included. As the law later said,
The Israelites were not disobeying God; they were following His instructions precisely."the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its plunder, you shall take for plunder for yourself."
— Deuteronomy 20:14 (WEB)
Living This Out
This week, think about a difficult season God has brought you through. Maybe a conflict ended, or a job change left you tired but still standing. You might feel you should discard everything associated with that hard time, even the good things. This verse invites a different perspective. God allowed Israel to keep the livestock and plunder, He gave them provision from the battle itself. Look at what remains in your hands: a skill you developed, a friendship that deepened, wisdom you gained. These are not tainted by the struggle. They are gifts from the same God who gave the victory. Receive them as His provision for the days ahead.
Main takeaway: God provides for His people from the victories He gives, and He wants us to receive that provision.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
After the battle, God told the people they could keep the animals and the things from the cities. God gave them the victory, and He also gave them food and supplies for their trip. When God gives us good things, we can say thank You.
For ages 9, 12
This verse is part of the story of Israel's journey to the promised land. The people of Sihon were destroyed because of their wickedness, but God let the Israelites keep the livestock and goods. This shows that God cares about our everyday needs. He provides for us even in the middle of hard times. When you go through something difficult, look for the ways God is still giving you what you need.
Questions People Ask
Why did God allow Israel to take the livestock and plunder from Sihon's cities?
God permitted this because the ban (herem) applied to the people, not to property. The livestock and goods were considered legitimate spoils of war, as later codified in Deuteronomy 20:14. This provided for Israel's needs during their journey to the promised land.
What is the 'ban' (herem) in the Old Testament?
The ban was a practice where certain enemies were devoted to God through total destruction, often as judgment for extreme wickedness. In this context, the people were under the ban, but animals and valuable goods were not included. The Israelites could keep them as provision.
Does this verse contradict the idea that God is loving and merciful?
No. The destruction of the Amorites came after centuries of patience (Genesis 15:16). At the same time, God showed mercy by providing for Israel's needs through the spoils. Both judgment and provision are part of God's character.
How does this verse relate to Deuteronomy 20:14?
Deuteronomy 20:14 gives the law for cities far away: you may take the women, children, livestock, and plunder. The same principle appears here: from Sihon's cities, Israel took the livestock and goods but not the people. It shows consistency in God's instructions.
Was it right for the Israelites to keep the plunder as personal property?
Yes, because God commanded it. The plunder was not stolen; it was a gift from God, given to support the people as they traveled to the land He promised. The Israelites were acting in obedience.
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