Deuteronomy 2:35

Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.

Only the cattle {H929} we took for a prey {H962} unto ourselves, and the spoil {H7998} of the cities {H5892} which we took {H3920}.

As booty for ourselves we took only the cattle, along with the spoil from the cities we had captured.

We carried off for ourselves only the livestock and the plunder from the cities we captured.

only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, with the spoil of the cities which we had taken.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:35 concludes Moses' recounting of Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon, marking a significant step in their journey towards the Promised Land. This verse specifies that, after the complete destruction of the people and their cities, Israel was permitted to take the cattle and spoil for themselves, distinguishing this conquest from earlier commands not to take spoil from nations like Edom, Moab, or Ammon.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' retrospective address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. He reminds them of God's faithfulness and guidance through their wilderness wanderings, including their encounters with various nations. While God instructed them to pass through the territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon peacefully, without provoking war or taking their possessions (Deuteronomy 2:4-6, 2:9, 2:19), the situation with Sihon was different. God hardened Sihon's heart to resist Israel, ensuring his defeat and allowing Israel to possess his land. This verse immediately follows the declaration in Deuteronomy 2:34 that every city was utterly destroyed, including men, women, and children, adhering to God's command for certain Canaanite nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: Israel's actions were not arbitrary but were in direct obedience to God's specific instructions for this particular conquest. This highlights the importance of following God's commands precisely.
  • God's Judgment and Provision: The utter destruction of the inhabitants served as God's judgment against the wickedness of these nations, while the allowance for Israel to take the "cattle" and "spoil" (Hebrew: shalal and baz) demonstrated God's provision for His people as they settled the land.
  • Distinction in Warfare: This passage differentiates between various types of warfare and conquest commanded by God. Not all nations were treated the same way; some were to be left in peace, while others, due to their profound sin, faced divine judgment through Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "prey" (Hebrew: baz) and "spoil" (Hebrew: shalal) both refer to plunder or booty taken in war. The context of this verse is informed by the broader concept of herem (often translated "utterly destroy" or "devote to destruction"), which, for certain cities within the Promised Land, meant that all inhabitants were to be destroyed, and sometimes all possessions were also to be destroyed or dedicated to God. In this specific instance with Sihon, God allowed the livestock and material goods to be taken by Israel, distinguishing it from the total herem seen, for example, at Jericho (Joshua 6:17-19).

Related Scriptures

The original account of this victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon, is also recorded in Numbers 21:21-35, providing further detail on the events leading up to this conquest. For general instructions regarding warfare and the taking of spoil, see Deuteronomy 20:10-18.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:35 reminds us of God's sovereignty over nations and His specific purposes for His people. While the context of ancient warfare is distinct from modern times, the underlying principles of obedience to God's revealed will, trust in His provision, and understanding that God's judgment against sin is real remain relevant. It encourages believers to consider how God provides for them, even amidst challenging circumstances, and to obey His commands, even when they are difficult to understand from a human perspective.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 31:9 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

  • Numbers 31:11 (2 votes)

    And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, [both] of men and of beasts.

  • Deuteronomy 20:14 (2 votes)

    But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

  • Joshua 8:27 (2 votes)

    Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.