Can We Love Our Enemies and Still Claim Spoils?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 20:14 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Exodus 20:13, Luke 6:27 and Romans 12:20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents a tapestry of teachings that sometimes seem to pull faithful followers in conflicting directions. One poignant example arises from Deuteronomy 20:14, which suggests that spoils of war, including women, children, and treasures, may be seen as divine gifts after victory in battle. This raises critical questions when contrasted with other biblical teachings focused on love and compassion.
Consider Matthew 5:44. Here, believers are urged to transcend enmity by loving their enemies. The message emphasizes forgiveness and benevolence, a stark departure from taking spoils as rewards. It's as if one is asked to shift from viewing adversaries as targets for conquest to seeing them as individuals deserving of love and grace.
Exodus 20:13 also intersects with this debate, famously commanding, "Thou shalt not kill." The preservation of life, as mandated here, seems at odds with the violent undertakings associated with capturing possessions post-battle. One could liken this to opposing forces: the call to cherish life versus the temptation of gain through conflict.
Luke 6:27 further deepens the contradiction by encouraging love and blessings even toward those who oppose or challenge us. This teaching speaks to a generosity of spirit—a willingness to give freely rather than seize forcibly. It paints a picture of an open hand, not one clenched around captured goods.
Romans 12:20 complements this view by advocating for kindness to one's enemies, highlighting a moral high ground where providing and caring supplants coercion and taking. This reflects a paradigm shift from conquering to compassion, akin to offering a helping hand rather than wielding a sword.
These verses collectively prompt believers to ponder: Can one truly hold love for all while embracing conquest as blessing? The tension between these teachings invites further reflection on the profound complexities within the spiritual journey.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 20:14 | 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. [take: Heb. spoil] |
| 2. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 3. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 4. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 5. | Romans 12:20 | Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. |