The term "despoileth" is an archaic form of the verb "despoil," which means to strip of possessions, rob, or plunder. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the act of taking away goods, wealth, or dignity, typically in a violent or forceful manner. This concept is frequently associated with warfare, judgment, and divine retribution.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Warfare and Conquest: In the Old Testament, the act of despoiling is commonly associated with the aftermath of battles and conquests. Victorious armies would despoil defeated foes, taking their goods, livestock, and sometimes even people as captives. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:53 , after David's victory over Goliath, "the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camp."

2. Divine Judgment: The concept of despoiling is also used metaphorically to describe God's judgment upon nations and peoples who have turned away from His commandments. In such contexts, God Himself is depicted as the one who despoileth, using foreign nations as instruments of His judgment. In Isaiah 42:24 , it is written, "Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law."

3. Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The act of despoiling can also serve as a moral lesson, illustrating the consequences of sin and disobedience. The stripping away of material wealth and security is a vivid reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the importance of spiritual fidelity. Proverbs 22:23 warns, "for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them."

4. Restoration and Hope: Despite the harsh imagery associated with despoiling, the Bible also offers messages of hope and restoration. God promises to restore what has been lost or taken away, often using the same language of despoiling to describe the reversal of fortunes for His people. In Joel 2:25 , God declares, "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you."

Theological Implications

The concept of despoiling in the Bible underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and history. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine justice. At the same time, it highlights God's mercy and the promise of redemption for those who turn back to Him. The imagery of despoiling, therefore, is not only a depiction of loss but also a call to repentance and faith in God's ultimate plan for restoration.Despoileth (2 Occurrences)

Job 24:21
He that despoileth the barren that beareth not, and doeth not good to the widow:
(DBY)

Jeremiah 25:36
A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the principal of the flock! for Jehovah layeth waste their pasture.
(See JPS)

Despoileth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Despoileth (2 Occurrences). Job 24:21 He that despoileth
the barren that beareth not, and doeth not good to the widow: (DBY). ...
/d/despoileth.htm - 6k

Despoiling (1 Occurrence)
... Jeremiah 25:36 Hark! the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the leaders
of the flock! For the LORD despoileth their pasture. (See RSV). ...
/d/despoiling.htm - 6k

Despoiled (13 Occurrences)

/d/despoiled.htm - 10k

Destroying (64 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS NIV). Jeremiah 25:36 Hark! the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of
the leaders of the flock! For the LORD despoileth their pasture. (See NAS NIV). ...
/d/destroying.htm - 27k

Lords (63 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 25:36 Hark! the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the
leaders of the flock! For the LORD despoileth their pasture. (See RSV). ...
/l/lords.htm - 28k

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