In the biblical context, "plunders" refers to the act of seizing goods or valuables by force, often during times of war or conflict. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both divine judgment and human sinfulness. The act of plundering is frequently depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God, as well as a tool used by God to fulfill His purposes.

Old Testament Instances

1. Egyptian Plunder: One of the earliest mentions of plunder in the Bible occurs during the Exodus. As the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt, God instructed them to ask the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold. The Egyptians, eager to see the Israelites depart after the plagues, complied, thus allowing the Israelites to "plunder the Egyptians" (Exodus 12:36). This act was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave their bondage with great possessions (Genesis 15:14).

2. Conquest of Canaan: The Israelites' conquest of Canaan involved numerous instances of plunder. In the battle of Jericho, God commanded that all silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron be consecrated to Him and placed in His treasury (Joshua 6:19). However, Achan's sin of taking some of the devoted items led to Israel's defeat at Ai and his subsequent punishment (Joshua 7:1-26).

3. David's Campaigns: King David's military campaigns often resulted in plunder. After defeating the Amalekites, David recovered all that had been taken, including his two wives, and distributed the plunder among his men and the elders of Judah (1 Samuel 30:18-26). This act of sharing the spoils demonstrated David's leadership and fairness.

Prophetic Warnings and Judgments

The prophets frequently warned Israel and the surrounding nations of impending plunder as a result of their sins. For instance, the prophet Isaiah foretold the plundering of Babylon as divine retribution for its arrogance and oppression (Isaiah 13:16). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would be plundered due to the people's unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 15:13).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of plunder is less prominent but still present. Jesus uses the imagery of plunder in His parable of the strong man, illustrating His authority over demonic forces: "But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house" (Mark 3:27). This metaphor highlights Christ's power to liberate those held captive by sin and Satan.

Spiritual Implications

Plunder in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual realities. The spoiling of goods can symbolize the stripping away of spiritual blessings due to disobedience or the victory of God's people over spiritual enemies. Believers are reminded to store up treasures in heaven, where they cannot be plundered (Matthew 6:19-20).

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, plunder serves as a multifaceted theme, illustrating both the consequences of sin and the fulfillment of God's promises. It underscores the reality of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of darkness.

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 15, "And He Said unto Them ...
... covetousness." I am but keeping what is mine own, I am not taking away another's;
"Beware of all covetousness." Not only is he covetous, who plunders the goods ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lvii on the words.htm

Epistle Xlvii. Cornelius to Cyprian, Concerning the Faction of ...
... it be made known to all our co-bishops and brethren, that Nicostratus is accused
of many crimes, and that not only has he committed frauds and plunders on his ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xlvii cornelius to cyprian.htm

Varus Composes the Tumults in Judea and Crucifies About Two ...
... off all the money they lighted upon belonging to the public revenues, all was now
full of fire and blood-shed, and nothing could resist the plunders of the ...
/.../chapter 5 varus composes the.htm

The Temporal Miseries and Wrongs which War Carries Along with It.. ...
... What thievery bears any proportion to that, which with the boldness of drum
and trumpet plunders the innocent of all that they have? ...
/.../address 196 0 0 the temporal miseries.htm

That Men are Born to Justice.
... short and transitory; he will do injury to no one; if he shall suffer, he will not
retaliate; and he will not take vengeance upon one who plunders his property ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxxiv that men are born.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... under the exhortations and example of his father, a robber from his youth; attacks
every stranger whom he is able to overcome; and plunders every valuable ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

Parallels from the Prophets to Illustrate Christ's Teaching in the ...
... No one pilfers or plunders his own property, but he [4673] rather acts the part
of one who swoops down on the things of another, and alienates man from his Lord ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxix parallels from the prophets.htm

Rom. xiv. 14
... also, he adds, "in the Holy Ghost." Since he that ruins his brother, hath at once
subverted peace, and wronged joy, more grievously than he that plunders money ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi rom xiv 14.htm

On Trusting in the Mercy of God.
... He has already murdered a score of defenseless women and children; burns down our
houses by night; plunders and robs daily; and every day brings tidings of his ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/ii on trusting in the.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... mountains, [1977] quickly grows up to manhood, speedily spoils all [1978] that is
opposed to him in you, and when the time is ripe plunders [the spiritual ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Plunders (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plunders (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 21:2 A vision
of fear comes before my eyes; the worker of deceit goes on ...
/p/plunders.htm - 6k

Plunge (4 Occurrences)

/p/plunge.htm - 8k

Plundering (3 Occurrences)

/p/plundering.htm - 7k

Plunderer (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who plunders or pillages. Multi-Version
Concordance Plunderer (4 Occurrences). Psalms 35:10 All ...
/p/plunderer.htm - 7k

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