Definition: But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 20:14. It’s a pretty powerful and important command, and it's about how to handle the results of war or conflict. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means in plain English: “When you fight with your enemies, you are allowed to take what they give you – their spoils of war. But you must eat these spoils, just as you would eat any food you find.” Let's unpack the details: “But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle…” : This refers to all people involved in a conflict – soldiers, civilians, and anyone who’s affected by it. It emphasizes that everyone is included in this rule. “…and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof” : This means everything taken from the enemy – their weapons, armor, supplies, livestock, anything they've captured during a battle. “Spoil” here refers to the goods and resources gained as a result of the fighting. “Thou shalt take…” : This is a command, meaning it’s something you must do. It’s not optional. “…into thy own storehouse; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.” : This is the key part. You are allowed to take what the enemy gives you – their resources. But you must use them for your own benefit. The "LORD thy God" emphasizes that this rule comes from a higher power and is divinely ordained. What’s the point of this? This verse highlights several important ideas: Justice: It's about fairness – taking what you have earned, even if it’s gained through conflict. Resource Management: It teaches us to be wise with our resources and not waste them on luxury or unnecessary things. God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of the war and will ensure that His people are given what they need. In short, it’s a rule about how to handle the results of conflict, emphasizing responsibility, resourcefulness, and respecting the power of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example?