### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâçaç**, represented by `{{H8155}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to plunder; rifle, spoil.** It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This term consistently depicts the act of violently seizing property, typically in the context of warfare or as a form of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8155}}` describes the consequences of military defeat and divine retribution. It appears in prophecies of judgment where houses are to be **spoiled** [[Isaiah 13:16]] or **rifled** [[Zechariah 14:2]] as a result of an enemy invasion. The book of Judges states that because of the Lord's anger, He delivered Israel into the hands of spoilers who **spoiled** them [[Judges 2:14]]. The term also describes the act of victors taking plunder, as when the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and **spoiled** their tents [[1 Samuel 17:53]]. In a personal sense, it can describe someone being plundered by passersby, becoming a reproach to his neighbors [[Psalms 89:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of plundering and conflict:
* `{{H8154}}` **shâçâh** (to plunder; destroyer, rob, spoil(-er)): This word is used in close connection with `{{H8155}}`, as seen when the Lord delivered Israel to "spoilers that **spoiled** them" [[Judges 2:14]], emphasizing the role of the agent carrying out the plundering.
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior)): The act of spoiling often occurs in the context of **battle**. In Zechariah, God gathers nations to **battle** against Jerusalem, where houses will be rifled [[Zechariah 14:2]].
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to catch... capture or occupy): Plundering is a direct result of being captured. A city is first **taken**, and then its houses are rifled [[Zechariah 14:2]], showing a sequence of events in conquest.
* `{{H1814}}` **dâlaq** (to flame... pursue hotly): This word describes the prelude to plundering. The Israelites first returned from **chasing** the Philistines before they spoiled their tents [[1 Samuel 17:53]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8155}}` is primarily seen in its depiction of consequences.
* **A Tool of Divine Judgment:** The act of being spoiled is presented as a direct result of God's anger against Israel's disobedience. He delivered them to be plundered by their enemies [[Judges 2:14]]. It is also a key feature in prophetic warnings of future judgment [[Zechariah 14:2]].
* **The Reality of Warfare:** The term is often paired with other brutal acts of war, such as children being "dashed to pieces" and wives "ravished," highlighting the complete devastation that accompanies military conflict [[Isaiah 13:16]].
* **The Spoils of Victory:** While often a sign of judgment for the victim, spoiling is also the reward for the victor. After defeating the Philistines, the Israelites **spoiled** their tents, claiming the material goods of their defeated foe [[1 Samuel 17:53]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8155}}` is a direct and forceful term for the act of plundering. It is not an abstract concept but a tangible outcome of conflict and judgment. Whether describing the consequence of God's anger toward His people, the brutal reality of an invaded city, or the spoils gathered by a victorious army, **shâçaç** illustrates the violent transfer of property that defines a key aspect of warfare in the biblical narrative.
TRV