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H897 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בַּז
Baz
Noun, masculine
Plunder / Spoil

Definition

Plunder, spoil, or prey — goods seized in war. Used frequently in military contexts and prophetically as a symbol of judgment, where a nation's wealth becomes the spoil of its conquerors.

Usage & Theological Significance

The concept of baz in Scripture carries two theological registers. In holy war, plundering the enemy was sometimes commanded. More often the prophets use 'your goods will become plunder' as the grammar of divine judgment. Ezekiel's oracles against Tyre and Babylon deploy this image repeatedly. Isaiah's child 'Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz' ('quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil') announced coming Assyrian judgment. Plunder is the vocabulary of power transferred.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 8:1 The LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.'
Isaiah 10:6 I send him against a godless nation to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.
Ezekiel 26:12 They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise; they will break down your walls.
Psalm 119:162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
Proverbs 16:19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Related Words

External Resources

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