The Hebrew word baz, represented by H957, describes plunder, booty, or prey. It is derived from the root verb H962 bâzaz, which means to plunder. Occurring 25 times in 25 unique verses, this term signifies goods or people taken in conflict, often as a result of divine judgment.
In biblical contexts, H957 is frequently used to describe the consequences of sin and the execution of God's judgment. God warns that He will forsake the remnant of His inheritance, causing them to become a prey and a spoil to their enemies 2 Kings 21:14. This theme is echoed when Israel is described as a people robbed and spoiled, made a prey with none to deliver them Isaiah 42:22. The term is not limited to Israel; foreign nations are also designated as prey. For example, the Lord GOD gives the land of Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon to take as prey for his army Ezekiel 29:19. Conversely, the word is used by the Israelites to express their fear of becoming plunder, such as when they worried their children would become a prey in the wilderness Numbers 14:3.
Several related words clarify and expand upon the concept of plunder and being spoiled:
- H962 bâzaz (to plunder): As the primitive root of H957, this verb denotes the direct action of plundering or taking prey. It is the act that results in something becoming baz. It is used to describe those who prey upon God's people Jeremiah 30:16.
- H7998 shâlâl (booty, prey, spoil): This noun is a close synonym and is often used in parallel with H957. God gives a charge to take the spoil (shâlâl) and to take the prey (baz) Isaiah 10:6.
- H4933 mᵉshiççâh (plunder, booty, spoil): Another term for spoil, this word is used alongside H957 to emphasize the totality of the plundering. Israel is described as being for a prey (baz) and for a spoil (mᵉshiççâh) Isaiah 42:22.
- H897 bag (food, spoil): This Persian word is used in the margin for H957 in Ezekiel 25:7, where God delivers a nation for a spoil to the heathen, linking the idea of plunder to sustenance for the conquerors.
The theological weight of H957 is demonstrated through its use as a metaphor for divine justice and sovereignty.
- A Consequence of Judgment: Becoming prey is a direct result of disobedience and wickedness. God gives His people over to their enemies 2 Kings 21:14 and delivers the wicked of the earth into the hands of strangers for a prey Ezekiel 7:21. The Lord also gives lands as a prey because of the despiteful minds of those who take them Ezekiel 36:5.
- An Instrument of Divine Will: The Lord uses nations to carry out His judgment, allowing them to take others as prey. This is seen when He gives a charge against a hypocritical nation to take the prey Isaiah 10:6 and when the plunder of Egypt serves as wages for Nebuchadrezzar's army Ezekiel 29:19.
- A Promise of Restoration and Protection: God promises to reverse the fortunes of His people, declaring that those who prey upon them will themselves become a prey Jeremiah 30:16. He also pledges to rescue His flock, ensuring they will no more be a prey to the heathen or beasts of the field (Ezekiel 34:22, Ezekiel 34:28).
In summary, H957 moves beyond a simple definition of battlefield plunder. It functions as a powerful theological symbol illustrating the tangible consequences of sin, the execution of God's sovereign judgment upon nations, and His ultimate promise of deliverance and restoration for His people. The word demonstrates how physical defeat and being made a prey can be both a tool of divine discipline and a state from which God will ultimately save His flock.
TRV