### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bag**, represented by `{{H897}}`, is a Persian word defined as **food** or **spoil**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition is noted as being from the margin for a related word, `baz` `{{H957}}`, directly linking it to the concept of plunder, prey, and booty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The singular appearance of `{{H897}}` is in [[Ezekiel 25:7]], within a powerful declaration of divine judgment. In this verse, the LORD proclaims He will **stretch out** `{{H5186}}` His **hand** `{{H3027}}` and **deliver** `{{H5414}}` a people "for a **spoil** to the heathen" [[Ezekiel 25:7]]. The word is used in conjunction with `{{H957}}` `baz`, reinforcing its meaning as plunder seized in an act of conquest. The context is one of complete destruction, where the people will be cut off `{{H3772}}`, perish `{{H6}}`, and be destroyed `{{H8045}}`, so that they will **know** `{{H3045}}` that He is the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of being made into **spoil**:
* `{{H957}}` **baz** (plunder; booty, prey, spoil(-ed)): This word is explicitly linked to `{{H897}}` and reinforces its meaning. God uses the concept of plunder to describe judgment, warning that those who prey upon others will themselves be given for a **prey** [[Jeremiah 30:16]].
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give, used with greatest latitude of application): This verb describes the action that results in a people becoming spoil. As an act of judgment, God can **deliver** His people into the hand of their enemies, where they become a prey and a spoil [[2 Kings 21:14]].
* `{{H6}}` **ʼâbad** (properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)): This word describes the ultimate fate of those given as spoil. To be made into plunder is to be set on a path to **perish** from the land [[Deuteronomy 4:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H897}}` is centered on the theme of divine judgment.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The use of **bag** in [[Ezekiel 25:7]] emphasizes God's absolute authority over nations. He is the one who actively **delivers** a people to be plundered, an action intended to make His power **know**n [[Ezekiel 25:7]].
* **Consequence of Judgment:** To become **spoil** is not a random event but a direct consequence of God's wrath. The surrounding terms of being cut off `{{H3772}}`, perishing `{{H6}}`, and being destroyed `{{H8045}}` frame it as a severe and final punishment.
* **The Instrumentality of Nations:** God delivers the condemned people "to the heathen" `{{H1471}}`, highlighting a recurring biblical theme where He uses one nation to carry out judgment on another [[Ezekiel 25:7]]. God can give a charge to one nation to take the **spoil** and **prey** from another [[Isaiah 10:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H897}}`, **bag**, is a rare but potent term for **spoil**. Its single occurrence within a prophecy of judgment in [[Ezekiel 25:7]] defines its role as a descriptor of divine punishment. It illustrates the biblical concept of a nation being delivered by God into the hands of its enemies as a consequence of disobedience. Ultimately, **bag** encapsulates the totality of a nation's defeat and loss when subjected to the sovereign judgment of the LORD.
TRV