Deuteronomy 20:14but the women, and the little ones, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall take for a prey to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you.
The setting
Moses explains how conquered cities will provide for Israel's needs. The wandering generation is about to become landowners. Eastern Jordan plateau.
The emotion here: anticipating God's provision for His people's future needs
The original word
bazaz (בזז) — to plunder, but legally and divinely authorized, not random looting
Why it matters
Ancient armies weren't paid salaries; they lived off conquest spoils
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 20:14
The 'spoil' included tools, seeds, and livestock needed to establish farms
Common misconceptionThis looks like greed, but it was practical provision. Nomads becoming farmers needed livestock, tools, and supplies to survive.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 20:14
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 20:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 20:14 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include warfare, conquest. Notable phrases: women, little ones, livestock; spoil. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 20:14 mean to you, today?
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