### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שָׁלָל (shâlâl), transliterated as *shâlâl*, is directly derived from the verbal root שָׁלַל (shâlal) `{{H7997}}`, which signifies "to plunder," "to spoil," or "to strip." Consequently, שָׁלָל (shâlâl) refers to the tangible results of such actions: "booty," "prey," or "spoil." Its primary semantic domain is the material possessions or resources taken by force, typically in the context of military conflict, raids, or conquest. This can encompass a wide range of items, including livestock, goods, precious metals, and sometimes even captives, though the latter is more commonly denoted by other terms. The word inherently carries the connotation of acquisition through seizure rather than through peaceful means or legitimate commerce.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שָׁלָל (shâlâl) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in historical narratives and prophetic pronouncements, reflecting its close association with warfare and its consequences.
In the Pentateuch, שָׁלָל (shâlâl) is often used to describe the spoils taken from defeated adversaries. After Abraham's victory over the kings who plundered Sodom, he recovers the "spoil" (שָׁלָל) and refuses to profit from it, returning everything to the king of Sodom [[Genesis 14:11]], [[Genesis 14:16]], [[Genesis 14:21]], [[Genesis 14:23]]. This narrative highlights early ethical considerations regarding war gains. During the conquest of Canaan, divine instructions often dictated the fate of the spoil. For instance, at Jericho, specific items of "spoil" were consecrated to the Lord's treasury [[Joshua 6:19]], while the city itself was under a ban (herem). In contrast, the "spoil" and livestock from Ai were permitted for the Israelites' personal use [[Joshua 8:2]], [[Joshua 8:27]], illustrating God's specific commands for each situation.
The books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles frequently mention שָׁלָל (shâlâl) in accounts of Israel's battles and raids. David's military campaigns often yielded substantial "spoil" [[1 Samuel 27:8]], [[1 Samuel 30:20]], [[1 Samuel 30:22]], [[1 Samuel 30:26]]. The equitable distribution of this spoil among the warriors, including those who remained with the baggage, is notably established by David in [[1 Samuel 30:24]], underscoring principles of communal sharing and justice. Chronicles often records the dedication of vast amounts of "spoil" to the temple treasury by victorious kings, signifying divine blessing and national prosperity [[1 Chronicles 26:27]], [[2 Chronicles 14:14]], [[2 Chronicles 20:25]].
Prophetic literature employs שָׁלָל (shâlâl) to depict future judgments or acts of deliverance. Isaiah uses the term to prophesy the carrying away of the "spoil" of Samaria and Damascus by the Assyrians, symbolizing God's judgment through foreign powers [[Isaiah 8:4]], [[Isaiah 10:6]]. Conversely, Isaiah 33:23 speaks of the "spoil" being divided even by the lame, illustrating God's unexpected deliverance and reversal of fortunes for His people. Jeremiah and Ezekiel also utilize the term in prophecies concerning the plunder and destruction of nations [[Jeremiah 49:32]], [[Ezekiel 29:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to שָׁלָל (shâlâl) is its verbal root, שָׁלַל (shâlal) `{{H7997}}`, which means "to plunder," "to strip," or "to make spoil." The noun is the direct outcome of this action.
Other closely related terms include:
* בַּז (baz) `{{H957}}`: This noun also means "spoil" or "plunder" and is derived from the verb בָּזַז (bâzaz) `{{H962}}`, "to plunder," "to spoil." While often used interchangeably or in parallel with שָׁלָל (shâlâl), בַּז (baz) might occasionally suggest a more indiscriminate or violent taking, whereas שָׁלָל (shâlâl) can sometimes refer to the more organized collection of war gains. For example, [[Isaiah 42:24]] uses both terms in close proximity.
* מַלְקוֹחַ (malqôach) `{{H4455}}`: Meaning "prey," "booty," or "captives," this term often refers specifically to living things taken as spoil, such as people or animals. It frequently appears alongside שָׁלָל (shâlâl) to provide a more comprehensive description of war gains, as seen in the detailed accounts of the Midianite spoil in [[Numbers 31:11]], [[Numbers 31:12]], [[Numbers 31:26]].
* מִבְזָה (mibzâh) `{{H4002}}`: Another term for "booty" or "plunder," also derived from בָּזַז (bâzaz) `{{H962}}`.
These terms collectively describe the various aspects of wealth and possessions acquired through conflict, with שָׁלָל (shâlâl) serving as a prominent and general descriptor for such gains.
### Theological Significance
The concept of שָׁלָל (shâlâl) carries profound theological implications throughout the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The acquisition and distribution of spoil are consistently presented as being under God's ultimate authority. God grants victory, allowing His people to take spoil as a form of blessing and provision [[2 Chronicles 20:25]], or conversely, permits His people to be plundered as a divine judgment for their disobedience [[Isaiah 10:6]]. This highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and the consequences of human actions.
2. **Provision and Consecration:** For ancient Israel, spoil was a legitimate means of wealth acquisition in warfare, often seen as a direct provision from the Lord. It served to enrich the community, support the priesthood, and contribute significantly to the temple treasury and the maintenance of worship [[Numbers 31:25-47]], [[2 Chronicles 26:27]]. The distinction between spoil to be consecrated to God and spoil for personal use, as seen in the Joshua narratives, underscores the sacredness of God's commands and the principle of firstfruits.
3. **Ethical Conduct and Communal Responsibility:** Narratives involving שָׁלָל (shâlâl) often address ethical considerations. Abraham's refusal to take spoil from Sodom [[Genesis 14:23]] sets a standard of integrity, demonstrating that not all gains are to be kept. David's decree regarding the equitable distribution of spoil in [[1 Samuel 30:24]] ("as is the share of him who goes down to the battle, so shall be the share of him who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike") establishes a principle of fairness and communal solidarity, reflecting a divinely inspired sense of justice within the community.
4. **Symbolic and Eschatological Significance:** In prophetic literature, שָׁלָל (shâlâl) transcends its literal meaning to symbolize future divine acts. It can represent the plundering of oppressors, the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, or the unexpected reversal of fortunes for the righteous. The image of the "spoil" of the wicked being divided by the righteous [[Isaiah 33:23]] points towards an eschatological justice where God's people will ultimately inherit what was unjustly taken from them, signifying the ultimate victory of good over evil.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שָׁלָל (shâlâl) `{{H7998}}` precisely defines "booty," "prey," or "spoil"—material wealth acquired through military conquest or raiding. Derived from the verb שָׁלָל (shâlal) `{{H7997}}`, "to plunder," it consistently signifies possessions seized by force. Its extensive use in the biblical narrative, particularly in historical books, details the practical aspects of war gains, including their acquisition, distribution, and dedication. In prophetic contexts, שָׁלָל (shâlâl) serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, future deliverance, and the ultimate reversal of fortunes. Theologically, the term underscores God's sovereignty over conflict, His provision for His people, and the ethical principles governing the handling of war gains, emphasizing justice, communal sharing, and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.
TRV