The term "despoils" refers to the act of stripping or plundering, often in the context of warfare or conquest. In the biblical narrative, despoiling is frequently associated with God's judgment upon nations or individuals who have acted in defiance of His will. The concept of despoiling is deeply intertwined with themes of divine justice, retribution, and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, despoiling is often depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God. For instance, in the book of Exodus, the Israelites despoil the Egyptians as they leave Egypt, taking with them silver, gold, and clothing. This act is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of bondage with great possessions (Exodus 12:35-36). The despoiling of the Egyptians serves as a divine recompense for the years of slavery and oppression endured by the Israelites.

The theme of despoiling is also evident in the narratives of conquest found in the books of Joshua and Judges. When the Israelites enter the Promised Land, they are commanded to destroy the inhabitants and take possession of their goods. This is seen as a divine mandate to cleanse the land of idolatry and establish a nation consecrated to God. In Joshua 11:14 , it is recorded, "The Israelites took all the plunder and livestock of these cities for themselves, but they put every person to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed."

Prophetic Literature

The prophetic books often speak of despoiling in the context of divine judgment against nations that have opposed God or oppressed His people. The prophets frequently use the imagery of despoiling to describe the fate of Israel's enemies. For example, in Isaiah 33:1 , the prophet declares, "Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you finish destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed." This passage underscores the principle of divine retribution, where those who despoil others will themselves be despoiled.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of despoiling takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of Christ's victory over the spiritual forces of evil. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Here, the despoiling is not of earthly possessions but of spiritual powers, highlighting Christ's triumph over sin and death.

Theological Implications

The act of despoiling in the biblical context serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and justice. It reflects the biblical principle that those who oppose God's will and oppress His people will ultimately face divine retribution. The despoiling of enemies is portrayed as a means by which God vindicates His righteousness and delivers His people.

In summary, the theme of despoiling in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a testament to God's justice and the fulfillment of His promises, whether through the liberation of His people or the triumph of Christ over the forces of darkness.

The Epistle Written by Malchion,
... by art or by any trade, he has now come to have excessive wealth by his deeds of
iniquity and sacrilege, and by those means by which he despoils and concusses ...
/.../malchion/the epistle of malchion/i the epistle written by malchion.htm

The Vain Pretensions of False Gods.
... Nor spares even cities, but with cruel hand. Despoils and devastates them
ruthlessly. But they that do these things have more success. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter v the vain pretensions of.htm

The Costliness of Prayer
... Now that cannot, surely, be said to be bought cheaply, which despoils us of so much
of the most precious thing we possess; and a thing, moreover, which is so ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvi the costliness of prayer.htm

We must Reserve the Likeness of the virtues in Ourselves. ...
... The likeness of the devil and of vice must be got rid of, and especially that of
avarice; for this deprives us of liberty, and despoils those who are in the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlix we must reserve.htm

February 16:
... February 16th. Neglect does more for the soul than make it miss salvation. It despoils
it of its capacity for salvation. Natural Law, Degeneration, p.110. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/beautiful thoughts/february 16 0.htm

How Pride is Equally Destructive of all virtues.
... There is then no other fault which is so destructive of all virtues, and robs and
despoils a man of all righteousness and holiness, as this evil of pride ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii how pride is.htm

Whether Circumcision was a Preparation For, and a Figure of ...
... of the latter. For just as circumcision removed a carnal pellicule, so Baptism
despoils man of carnal behavior. Reply to Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether circumcision was a preparation.htm

Whether the Just is Absolutely the Same as Retaliation?
... In like manner when a man despoils another of his property against the latter's
will, the action surpasses the passion if he be merely deprived of that thing ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the just is absolutely.htm

Of the Chief Good and virtue, and or Knowledge and Righteousness.
... beneficence, liberality, kindness, and justice are entirely [1122] taken away."
For how can a man be just who injures, who hates, who despoils, who puts to ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap vi of the chief good.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... serpent. But the Lord withstands him, despoils him of his purpose, and
turns all he does to the very highest and best end. Such ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Despoils (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Despoils (1 Occurrence). Psalms 35:10 All my bones
shall say, "Yahweh, who is like you, who delivers the ...
/d/despoils.htm - 6k

Despondency (1 Occurrence)

/d/despondency.htm - 6k

Despoiling (1 Occurrence)

/d/despoiling.htm - 6k

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