Josh 6:24). When plunder was involved, it was dedicated to the LORD’s use. When people within the cities of the promised land were taken, they were killed (Lev 27:29; Josh 6:21) out of concern that they might lead Israel into idolatry (Deut 20:18). The herem command was included in legislation that anticipated warfare as part of Israel’s experience (“when you go to war …” [Deut 20:1]) and is often translated as “total destruction” (Deut 7:2; 20:17). The practice was not legislated as part of Israelite