But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
DEUTERONOMY 3:7KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 3:7 mean?
Deuteronomy 3:7 describes how the Israelites, after conquering certain cities, took all the livestock and goods from those cities for themselves. The verse simply states that the people kept the cattle and everything else of value as their own property after the victory.
In this verse, Moses is recounting to the Israelites what happened during their journey toward the Promised Land. He is reminding them of a specific event when they defeated enemy cities and took possession of the animals and material goods found there. This summary helps the people remember how their needs were provided for during their conquests.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:7
- The word for "cattle" is בְּהֵמָה (behemah), often used for domesticated animals or livestock. This highlights that the Israelites took not just valuables, but also practical resources for daily life.
- "Spoil" comes from שָׁלָל (shalal), meaning plunder or goods taken in war. This word emphasizes that the goods were taken as a result of victory in battle, not as gifts or trade.
- "Cities" is עִיר (ʿir), referring to the fortified towns or settlements that were conquered. This shows the scale of what was taken, coming from entire communities.
- "Prey" is טֶרֶף (teref), which carries the sense of something seized or captured, often used for what is taken by force. This underscores the idea that these possessions were gained through conquest.
Why Deuteronomy 3:7 matters
- This verse clarifies that the Israelites did not destroy everything in the conquered cities; instead, they kept the livestock and goods, which would have been essential for their survival and settlement.
- The verse connects to the broader narrative of Deuteronomy, where Moses is reminding the people of God's provision and faithfulness during their journey.
- Understanding the specific words for "spoil" and "prey" helps show that what was taken was not random, but the result of military victory, reinforcing the historical context of Israel's conquest.