“Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and teachings of Moses to the Israelites. It recounts the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses.
In Deuteronomy 2, Moses is recounting the Israelites’ experiences during their wanderings in the wilderness. He recalls their encounters with various nations and how God had given them victory over their enemies.
Explanation and Analysis:
In this verse, Moses is referring to the conquest of the land of Sihon, the Amorite king. When the Israelites approached Sihon’s territory, they requested permission to pass through peacefully, but he refused and instead engaged them in battle. God granted the Israelites victory over Sihon, and they took possession of his land, including the cities and the livestock.
The Principle of War Booty:The verse reflects a common practice in ancient warfare, where the victorious army would take spoils, including livestock and valuable possessions, as part of the spoils of war. In this case, the Israelites took the cattle as their prize and seized the spoil of the cities they conquered. It’s important to note that this practice was allowed within the specific context of war and conquest, rather than being a general principle of everyday life.
God’s Authority and Assistance:Throughout the conquest of the Promised Land, it is crucial to understand that the Israelites’ success was not due to their military prowess alone but because of God’s guidance and assistance. God had promised to be with the Israelites and to fight for them as they entered the land (Deuteronomy 1:30). The victories they achieved were a result of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites.
Lessons for Believers:While this verse specifically refers to a historical event in the Israelites’ journey, there are a few general principles we can derive from it:
- Trust in God’s Promises: The Israelites trusted in God’s promises and followed His instructions, which led to their victory. Similarly, believers today can trust in God’s promises and rely on His guidance and strength in their lives.
- God’s Provision: Just as God provided for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, He continues to provide for His people today. He is our ultimate provider, and we can trust in His provision for our needs.
- Consequences of Rebellion: The conquered nations, like Sihon, faced consequences for their rebellion against God’s people. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the potential consequences of rebellion.
- Historical Context: It’s essential to understand that this verse describes a specific event in the history of the Israelites and should not be interpreted as a general principle for acquiring wealth or possessions.
Conclusion:
Deuteronomy 2:35 provides a glimpse into the historical context of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. It reveals God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Him and obeying His commands. As we study the Bible, it’s essential to interpret verses in their historical and theological context to derive accurate and meaningful lessons for our lives today.
