King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 2:35 Mean?
“Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.”
Deuteronomy 2:35 · KJV
Context
33
And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.
34
And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: the men: Heb. every city of men, and women, and little ones
35
Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
36
From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
37
Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe preservation of resources—'only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities'—shows that herem targeted moral corruption, not economic destruction. Material goods could be purified and repurposed for God's people. This distinction teaches that not everything in the world is irredeemable—some things can be sanctified and used for holy purposes once separated from corrupting influences.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Taking livestock and goods provided practical resources for Israel's sustenance and upcoming settlement. This differed from Jericho (Joshua 6:17-19) where everything was devoted to God or destroyed. The variation in herem application shows God's commands fit specific circumstances—principles remain consistent while applications vary according to divine direction.
Reflection Questions
- What resources in your life can be redeemed and repurposed for God's glory?
- How do you discern between what must be completely rejected and what can be sanctified?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsרַ֥ק1 of 8
H7535properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה2 of 8
“Only the cattle”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
לָ֑נוּ4 of 8
H0הֶֽעָרִ֖ים6 of 8
“of the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 8
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לָכָֽדְנוּ׃8 of 8
“which we took”
H3920to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Deuteronomy 2:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Deuteronomy 2:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge