Topical Bible: Armies: Divided the Spoil

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of dividing the spoil is frequently associated with the aftermath of military victories. The division of spoil refers to the distribution of goods, livestock, and other valuables seized from defeated enemies. This practice is depicted throughout the Old Testament, illustrating both the material and symbolic significance of victory in ancient Israelite culture.

Biblical Instances

One of the earliest references to dividing the spoil is found in the account of Abram's rescue of Lot. After defeating the coalition of kings, Abram recovered all the goods and people taken by the invaders. Genesis 14:16 states, "He recovered all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people." Although Abram refused to take any of the spoil for himself, this event sets a precedent for the practice.

In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites' exodus from Egypt is marked by the acquisition of Egyptian wealth. Exodus 12:36 notes, "And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." This act of plundering is seen as a divine provision for the Israelites as they embarked on their journey to the Promised Land.

The division of spoil is also evident in the conquest narratives of the Book of Joshua. After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites were instructed to devote the city and all that was in it to the LORD, except for Rahab and her family. However, Achan's sin of taking some of the devoted items led to Israel's initial defeat at Ai. Once the sin was addressed, Joshua 8:27 records, "Israel took for themselves only the cattle and the spoil of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua."

Cultural and Theological Significance

The division of spoil served not only as a reward for the victors but also as a means of sustaining the community. It provided resources for the people and was often seen as a tangible sign of God's favor and blessing. The distribution of spoil was typically conducted according to established customs, ensuring that all participants in the battle received their due share.

Theologically, the division of spoil underscores the belief in divine justice and providence. Victories in battle were attributed to God's intervention, and the subsequent distribution of goods was viewed as part of His provision for His people. This is evident in the Song of Deborah, where the victory over Sisera is celebrated, and the division of spoil is mentioned: "Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver" (Judges 5:19).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

While the division of spoil was a common practice, it also raised moral and ethical questions. The account of Achan in Joshua 7 highlights the consequences of coveting and taking what was devoted to God. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and disobedience.

Furthermore, the prophets often critiqued the accumulation of wealth through violence and exploitation. Isaiah 10:2 condemns those who "deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless." Such critiques remind the faithful of the importance of justice and righteousness over material gain.

In summary, the division of spoil in biblical times was a multifaceted practice with cultural, theological, and ethical dimensions. It reflected the realities of ancient warfare while also serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the moral responsibilities of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 15:9
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied on them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 14:1
Behold, the day of the LORD comes, and your spoil shall be divided in the middle of you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Triumphant
... See how countless their armies, and how fierce their countenances ... for all, and put
to retreat all his enemies, or else he would not have divided the spoil. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Six Cities
... has "taken from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divided the spoil."[47 ...
situated in the direct route taken by the invading Syrian armies, it must ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The Battle of Armageddon.
... it""Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the ... At
the head of his armies, the Beast marches forth in open hostility ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the battle of armageddon.htm

"Let us Pray"
... of Arabia, getting unto himself exceeding great hosts and armies, surrounded the ...
Arabia, took him prisoner, slew his army, and divided the spoil, and then ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/let us pray.htm

'Fruit which is Death'
... break down their altars, He shall spoil their images.3 ... every man whose heart has
been 'divided.' To the ... instruments of chastisement are foreign armies, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

The Israelites
... partly of women and children, partly of stragglers from the armies of the ... were burned,
the inhabitants of them massacred, and the spoil divided among the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Of the Devastation of the World, and Its Prophetic Omens.
... chief power, dispersed among many and divided, [1399] will ... These, having increased
their armies to an immense ... own; he will contaminate, plunder, spoil, and put ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi of the devastation of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil ... Out of the spoil taken from
the Midianites he formed ... head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made up ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

At this Time, that Is, in the Year of Our Lord 605...
... forty homilies on the Gospel, which he divided equally into ... of the wicked, and plucked
the spoil out of ... he brought the Angles to Christ, gaining armies for the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap i at this time.htm

Egypt
... Seti I., who once more led his armies into Asia ... The spoil won from the northern invaders
made the Pharaoh ... With a divided kingdom the strength of Egypt passed ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm