Old Testament
Deuteronomy 3:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But we kept all the livestock and the plunder from the cities for ourselves.
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But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
What Deuteronomy 3:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the people took the livestock and valuables from the cities they conquered. This decision reflects their priorities after a victory. Instead of sharing the spoils or using them for a greater purpose, they chose to keep everything for themselves. This act shows a focus on personal gain rather than community benefit. It raises questions about the ethics of their choices and the impact on their relationships with others. The decision to keep the plunder can symbolize the temptation to prioritize material wealth over shared values and responsibilities. It serves as a reminder that our choices can have lasting effects on our community and our moral standing. Reflecting on this, we can consider how we handle our own resources and whether we are acting in ways that benefit not just ourselves but also those around us. Ultimately, this passage invites us to think about the balance between personal gain and collective well-being in our lives today. It challenges us to reflect on our values and the impact of our decisions.
How to apply Deuteronomy 3:7 to your life
Consider how you use your resources and whether your choices benefit only you or also those around you. Reflect on the importance of sharing and supporting your community. Strive to make decisions that promote collective well-being rather than just personal gain. Your actions can inspire others to do the same, creating a positive ripple effect in your community. Remember, true wealth is found in relationships and shared experiences.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Victories over Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11)
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Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 3:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 3:7 mean?
Deuteronomy 3:7 describes how the Israelites kept the livestock and valuables from the cities they conquered for themselves. This reflects their focus on personal gain rather than sharing the spoils with others.
What is the significance of keeping plunder in Deuteronomy 3:7?
The act of keeping the plunder in Deuteronomy 3:7 highlights the temptation to prioritize material wealth over community welfare. It raises ethical questions about the impact of such choices on relationships and shared responsibilities.
What does the phrase 'livestock and plunder' refer to in Deuteronomy 3:7?
In Deuteronomy 3:7, 'livestock and plunder' refers to the animals and valuables taken from conquered cities. This indicates the spoils of war that the Israelites chose to keep for themselves.
How does Deuteronomy 3:7 relate to community values?
Deuteronomy 3:7 illustrates a conflict between personal gain and community values, as the Israelites opted to keep the spoils for themselves instead of considering the broader impact on their community.
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