In the biblical context, plunderers are individuals or groups who engage in the act of looting, pillaging, or seizing goods by force, often during times of war or conflict. The concept of plundering is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the consequences of sin and the fulfillment of divine judgment.

Old Testament References

Plundering is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with warfare and divine retribution. In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites themselves are instructed to plunder the Egyptians as they prepare to leave Egypt: "The Israelites did as Moses had instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians" (Exodus 12:35-36). This act of plundering was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a demonstration of His power over the Egyptians.

The Book of Judges recounts numerous instances where Israel is plundered by surrounding nations as a consequence of their disobedience to God. For example, Judges 2:14 states, "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist" . This pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a central theme in the narrative of Judges.

In the prophetic literature, plundering is often depicted as a tool of divine judgment. The prophet Isaiah warns of the impending plunder of nations as a result of their arrogance and idolatry: "Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed; when you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed" (Isaiah 33:1). Here, the plunderers themselves are warned of their eventual downfall, emphasizing the justice of God.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus as heavily on the theme of plundering as the Old Testament, it does address the spiritual implications of theft and greed. Jesus speaks metaphorically of plundering in the context of spiritual warfare: "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house" (Matthew 12:28-29). Here, Jesus illustrates His authority over evil and His mission to liberate those held captive by sin.

The Apostle Paul also warns against the spiritual plundering of believers through deceptive philosophies and empty deceit: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8). This admonition serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against teachings that could lead one away from the truth of the Gospel.

Moral and Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of plunderers serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed, violence, and disobedience to God. It underscores the reality of divine justice and the ultimate futility of relying on worldly power and wealth. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as the ultimate judge who will hold all nations and individuals accountable for their actions, including acts of plundering. The call to righteousness and trust in God's provision is a consistent theme, encouraging believers to seek justice and mercy rather than resorting to violence and theft.8154. shasah -- to spoil, plunder
... root Definition to spoil, plunder NASB Word Usage despoiled (1), pillage (1), plunder
(1), plundered (3), plunderers (2), plundering (1), taken spoil (1). ...
/hebrew/8154.htm - 6k

962. bazaz -- to spoil, plunder
... 1), completely despoiled (1), despoiled (1), looted (3), pillage (1), plunder (11),
plunder of those who plundered (1), plundered (6), plunderers (1), prey (2 ...
/hebrew/962.htm - 6k

The Bishop at Work
... Two of the plunderers fell out over the booty. One, John by name, was killed, martyred
it was supposed. The old women had dreams about him. Miracles began. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

The Conquest of Lydia.
... On the other hand, if they conquer you, they will come like a vast band of plunderers
into Lydia, where there is every thing to tempt and reward them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

The Restoration of the Jews.
... were kept in a continual state of anxiety and terror for many years, exposed
incessantly to the inroads of this nation of robbers and plunderers, that had, so ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ix the restoration of.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... And talk of death, like garlands o'er a grave. As some bold plunderers, for
buried wealth,. We ransack tombs for pastime; from the dust. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

Of the Third Seal.
... Observe a similar rule of justice also with regard to the oil and the wine;" as
if he wished to caution them against plunderers, and had said, Do not steal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the third seal.htm

Heroic Faith
... long-handed,' may have described a physical peculiarity, but it also expressed the
reach of his power; his arm could reach these wandering plunderers, and if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/heroic faith.htm

Psalm LXXXI.
... men's own. The old time had no such plunderers of other men's goods: but
the old time had no such givers of their own goods.... 2 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxi.htm

Of the Vanity and Crimes, Impious Superstitions, and of the ...
... What else shall I call them but miserable men, who obey the instigations
of their own plunderers, [1053] whom they think to be gods? ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the vanity and.htm

But Perhaps, as You Say, the Goddesses Took the Greatest Pleasure ...
... that reference is thus made to some kind of thieves, which is probable enough, as
Arnobius (end of next chapter) classes all these plunderers as "tyrants, kings ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 but perhaps as you.htm

Smuggling in Cornwall
... Let them only see that the laws be strictly executed upon the next plunderers; and
after an example is made of ten of these, the next wreck will be unmolested. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/smuggling in cornwall.htm

Plunderers (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plunderers (9 Occurrences). Judges 2:14 So the
anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave ...
/p/plunderers.htm - 9k

Temple-plunderers (1 Occurrence)
Temple-plunderers. Temple-keeper, Temple-plunderers. Temple-robbers .
Multi-Version Concordance Temple-plunderers (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/temple-plunderers.htm - 6k

Spoilers (19 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 17:14 At even-time, lo, terror, before morning it is not, This 'is'
the portion of our spoilers, And the lot of our plunderers! (YLT). ...
/s/spoilers.htm - 12k

Plundered (44 Occurrences)
... Judges 2:14 So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them
over to plunderers, who plundered them; and he sold them into the power of ...
/p/plundered.htm - 19k

Neighed (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:11 For ye rejoiced, for ye triumphed, ye plunderers of my heritage;
for ye have been wanton as the heifer at grass, and neighed as steeds. (DBY). ...
/n/neighed.htm - 7k

Withstand (22 Occurrences)
... Judges 2:14 So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them
over to plunderers, who plundered them; and he sold them into the power of ...
/w/withstand.htm - 13k

Injuriously (13 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 19:37 For ye have brought these men, who are neither
temple-plunderers, nor speak injuriously of your goddess. (DBY). ...
/i/injuriously.htm - 10k

Firewood (4 Occurrences)
... out of the forests, For with armour they cause the fire to burn, And they have spoiled
their spoilers, And they have plundered their plunderers, An affirmation ...
/f/firewood.htm - 7k

Temple-keeper (1 Occurrence)
Temple-keeper. Temple, Temple-keeper. Temple-plunderers . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV DBY). Temple, Temple-keeper. Temple-plunderers . Reference
/t/temple-keeper.htm - 6k

Temple-robbers (1 Occurrence)
Temple-robbers. Temple-plunderers, Temple-robbers. Temples . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Temple-plunderers, Temple-robbers. Temples . Reference Bible.
/t/temple-robbers.htm - 6k

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