Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 2:35 mean?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 2:35 says that the Israelites took only the livestock and the goods from the conquered cities for themselves. The verse highlights that after defeating their enemies, the Israelites did not keep the people, but instead took possession of the animals and material wealth left behind. In this passage, Moses is recounting to the Israelites how God led them through various territories on their journey to the Promised Land. Here, he describes what was taken as spoils after a specific military victory. The focus is on what the Israelites were allowed to claim—specifically, the cattle and the goods from the cities—emphasizing the practical outcome of their conquest.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:35

Accepted Answer

בְּהֵמָה (behemah; "cattle"): This word refers broadly to domesticated animals, not just cows, and includes livestock like sheep and goats. It shows that the Israelites took valuable resources for their own use. שָׁלָל (shalal; "spoil"): This word means plunder or loot taken in war. It highlights that the goods from the cities were considered the rightful property of the victors. עָרִים (ʿarim; "cities"): This term points to the urban centers or settlements that were conquered, not just isolated buildings or camps. לָקַח (laqach; "took"): This verb means to seize or take possession, underlining the active role of the Israelites in claiming these spoils.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 2:35 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the Israelites did not enslave or keep the people of these cities, focusing only on material goods and livestock, which is significant for understanding the ethics of warfare in this context. It connects to the broader narrative of Deuteronomy, where Moses is reminding the people of God’s provision and the specific instructions they followed during their journey. The verse helps distinguish between different kinds of victories and spoils in the Old Testament, showing that not every conquest involved the same treatment of people and property.

Deuteronomy 2:35 (KJV)