Definition: And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 11:14. It’s a pretty dramatic and sobering passage about the aftermath of the battle against the Amalekites. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Israelites were fighting the Amalekites, who had been raiding their land. After a long and difficult battle, the Israelites won, but they were incredibly shaken by the violence. They took the dead bodies of the Amalekites – their animals, their corpses, even the children – and used them as food. They slaughtered them all until there was nothing left. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves” : This means they took the dead bodies of the Amalekites – everything they found – and used them as food. It's a brutal image of loss and devastation. "Spoil" refers to the remnants left behind after a battle. “But every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.” : This is the core of the verse. They used swords to kill all the Amalekites. Crucially, they didn’t stop . They continued to attack and kill until there was nothing left – no animals, no bodies, no life. "Neither left they any to breathe" emphasizes that they completely eliminated the Amalekites from existence. What's the Significance? This verse is a powerful warning about the consequences of violence. It’s a reminder that: Violence Becomes a Cycle: When we inflict harm, it can create a cycle of destruction and suffering. The Cost of Warfare: It highlights the devastating impact of war – not just on the victors, but on everything they take with them. A Call for Rest and Reconciliation: The verse also suggests that after a time of intense conflict, it’s important to find peace and reconciliation. It speaks to a need for healing and rebuilding after a terrible loss. In short, this passage is about the complete annihilation of the Amalekites through violence, leaving nothing behind. Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context?