“In the fortress of Susa itself, the Jews killed 500 men. But they did not take any plunder. Then the Jews at Susa gathered together on March 8 and killed 300 more men, and again they took no plunder. Meanwhile, the other Jews throughout the king’s provinces had gathered together to defend their lives. They gained relief from all their enemies, killing 75,000 of those who hated them. But they did not take any plunder.”
Esther 9:6a, 10b, 15-16 NLT
Once, in the process of rescuing his nephew (Lot) from captivity, Abraham also brought back all the captives from Sodom, along with the plunder that had been taken. Afterwards, the king of Sodom came to Abraham and offered him all the plunder he had recovered. Abraham refused, saying this:
“Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’”
Genesis 14:22-23 NLT
There’s another interesting story involving the prophet Elisha. When Elisha was used by the Lord to heal Naaman of leprosy, Naaman offered to reward him for what he had done, with great treasure. But, Elisha refused any payment.
“But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.”
2 Kings 5:16 NLT
The thing is, Elisha had a servant, Gehazi, who decided to run after Naaman’s chariot to get for himself some of the gifts he had offered Elisha. He tells Naaman a lie about Elisha having changed his mind about the gifts. Then, after acquiring the gifts for himself and hiding them, he returns back to his master, who immediately confronts him, asking where he had gone. Of course, he lies again and says that he had not gone anywhere. But, the prophet knows better and pronounces a curse of leprosy on Gehazi.
“Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.”
2 Kings 5:27 NLT
Saul was another person who failed to resist the temptation to take what the Lord had told him not to take; and it resulted in his kingdom being stripped from him.
“Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?” Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.””
1 Samuel 15:19, 23 NLT
In our opening scripture we see that the Jews—having succeeded in destroying their enemies—refused to take any plunder. Apparently, they considered victory over their enemies enough. They most likely didn’t want it to appear that they had done what they did to enrich themselves. Now, we don’t know that the Lord specifically told them not to take the plunder; but apparently, they felt convicted that they should not do so.
Remember, there will always be the temptation to compromise in some way to enrich ourselves, or otherwise advance ourselves. However, we must refuse to take anything or do anything God has not ordained. Doing so, basically opens us up to being cursed. Let’s trust the Lord to give us what we need and never take something, or take part in something, He does not approve.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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