Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of dedication, particularly concerning the spoils of war, is deeply rooted in the practices and commandments given to the Israelites. The dedication of spoils of war involves setting apart certain items or goods captured during military conquests for sacred purposes, often as an offering to God or for use in the service of the Tabernacle or Temple.Biblical Foundation The practice of dedicating spoils of war is first seen in the Pentateuch, where God commands the Israelites to devote certain captured items to Him. In Numbers 31:50, the officers of the army bring offerings to the Lord from the spoils of war, including gold articles, as an atonement for their souls: "So we have brought as an offering to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD" . The Ban (Herem) A significant aspect of dedicating spoils of war is the concept of "herem," often translated as "the ban" or "devoted to destruction." This refers to the complete dedication of certain cities and their possessions to God, often involving their total destruction as an act of divine judgment. In Deuteronomy 20:16-18, God instructs the Israelites to completely destroy the cities of certain nations: "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you" . Examples in Scripture 1. Jericho: One of the most notable examples of dedication of spoils is the fall of Jericho. In Joshua 6:17-19, the city and all that is in it are declared "devoted to the LORD." The Israelites are commanded to keep away from the devoted things to avoid bringing destruction upon themselves. However, Achan's sin of taking some of the devoted items leads to Israel's defeat at Ai (Joshua 7). 2. David's Conquests: King David also dedicated spoils of war to the Lord. In 2 Samuel 8:11, it is recorded that David dedicated the silver and gold from all the nations he subdued to the Lord: "King David also dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued" . 3. Solomon's Temple: The dedication of spoils also played a role in the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 7:51, it is noted that Solomon brought in the things his father David had dedicated, including silver, gold, and furnishings, and placed them in the treasuries of the Lord's temple. Theological Significance The dedication of spoils of war underscores the principle that victory and success in battle are attributed to God's providence and power. By dedicating the spoils, the Israelites acknowledged God's sovereignty and expressed gratitude for His deliverance. This act of dedication also served as a reminder of the holiness required in their relationship with God, emphasizing the need for obedience and reverence. Moral and Ethical Considerations The practice of dedicating spoils of war raises moral and ethical questions, particularly concerning the destruction of entire cities and the treatment of their inhabitants. From a conservative Christian perspective, these actions are understood within the context of divine justice and the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel. The dedication of spoils is seen as a means of purifying the land and maintaining the sanctity of the community in accordance with God's commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 8:11Which also king David did dedicate to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 18:11 Library Index i. Of Subjects Patriotic Hymns. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Critical Notes. Homilies on the Gospel of John. Pagan Shrines and Temples. Ancient Chaldaea Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... Resources What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |
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