But the women, and the litle ones, and the cattell, and all that is in the citie, euen all the spoile thereof, shalt thou take vnto thy selfe, and thou shalt eate the spoile of thine enemies, which the Lord thy God hath giuen thee. Deuteronomy 20:14 (KJV)
This verse belongs to a larger passage in Deuteronomy that gives the Israelites instructions concerning warfare and their conduct in battle. It specifically deals with cities that lie far from the Israelites, not the cities within the Promised Land itself. When the people conquered such distant cities they were permitted to take the women, the children, the livestock, and all the spoil that was in the city. The term “spoil” refers to the valuable possessions, wealth, and material goods captured as a result of victory.
Understanding this command requires awareness of the ancient Near‑Eastern context. Warfare in that era was often brutal, and the surrounding nations practiced idolatry and other morally corrupt customs. God, through Moses, therefore established guidelines for warfare in order to maintain order and to assert His authority among the peoples. The allowance to take women and children as captives may appear harsh to modern readers, but the instruction is limited to cities that were distant from Israel. Cities within the land of Canaan received a different command: they were to be completely destroyed, as recorded in Deuteronomy 20:16‑18, to prevent the spread of idolatry and moral corruption.
The Bible also records occasions when God’s people failed to follow His commands and suffered negative consequences, underscoring the need for faithful obedience. Consequently, this verse should be read together with the broader biblical teaching that emphasizes love, justice, and mercy. Deuteronomy 20:14 thus provides guidance on the treatment of captured cities and the distribution of war spoils in a specific historical setting, while reminding readers to interpret it within the full narrative of Scripture.
