### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâlâl**, represented by `{{H7998}}`, is a term for **booty**, **prey**, or **spoil**. It appears 73 times across 64 unique verses in the Bible and is derived from the root `{{H7997}}`, meaning to plunder. It primarily refers to the goods, livestock, and valuables seized from an enemy after a military victory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7998}}` is used in several key contexts. It denotes the spoils of war, as when Achan took a Babylonish garment and silver from among the **spoils** of Jericho [[Joshua 7:21]]. The act of dividing the **spoil** is a common theme, representing the joy and reward of victory [[Isaiah 9:3]]. The term is also used metaphorically, particularly in Jeremiah, where God promises that a person's life will be given to them "for a **prey**," signifying that it will be spared and rescued from certain destruction ([[Jeremiah 39:18]], [[Jeremiah 45:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of plunder and its acquisition:
* `{{H7997}}` **shâlal** (to plunder): This is the root verb from which `{{H7998}}` is derived. It describes the action of taking spoil, as seen when God gives a charge "to take the **spoil**" [[Isaiah 10:6]].
* `{{H962}}` **bâzaz** (to plunder): Often used alongside `{{H7997}}`, this verb describes the act of taking plunder, such as when Israel was permitted to take the spoil of Ai "for a **prey** unto yourselves" [[Joshua 8:2]].
* `{{H957}}` **baz** (plunder): This noun is a synonym for spoil and is frequently paired with `{{H7998}}`, as when a charge is given "to take the spoil, and to take the **prey**" [[Isaiah 10:6]].
* `{{H2505}}` **châlaq** (to apportion or separate): This verb describes the distribution of acquired spoil among the victors. It is used when Benjamin, like a wolf, "shall **divide** the spoil" at night [[Genesis 49:27]].
* `{{H4455}}` **malqôwach** (spoil): This word for spoil and captives is used alongside `{{H7998}}` to describe the full extent of the plunder taken after defeating the Midianites, including "all the spoil, and all the **prey**, both of men and of beasts" [[Numbers 31:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7998}}` is significant, often used to illustrate themes of judgment, provision, and salvation.
* **Divine Judgment and Provision:** Spoil can be a sign of both God's judgment and His provision. God commands that the spoil of an idolatrous city must be utterly destroyed [[Deuteronomy 13:16]], yet He also provides the spoil of enemies as a resource for His people [[Deuteronomy 20:14]].
* **Preservation as Spoil:** A person's life can be given "for a **prey**" `{{H7998}}`. This signifies divine deliverance, where a life is snatched from certain death as if it were valuable plunder rescued from a conquered enemy [[Jeremiah 21:9]].
* **Messianic Victory:** The concept is used prophetically to describe the victory of God's servant, who "shall divide the **spoil** with the strong" because he bore the sin of many, signifying his ultimate triumph [[Isaiah 53:12]].
* **Symbol of Joy:** The delight in finding God's word is compared to the joy of one "that findeth great **spoil**," highlighting the immense value and satisfaction derived from divine truth [[Psalms 119:162]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7998}}` is far more than a simple term for wartime plunder. It is a powerful biblical motif that illustrates concepts of divine judgment, reward for obedience, and profound deliverance. From the literal goods taken in battle to the metaphorical preservation of life and the ultimate victory of the Messiah, **shâlâl** serves as a rich symbol of the consequences of conflict and the blessings of divine intervention.
TRV