Dedication of persons or materials to God. References to the total destruction of towns or persons and their possessions, generally by fire, are concentrated in the “conquest” era. Of cities taken in conquest, Jericho alone is placed off-limits for Israelite occupation (Josh 6). Also under the ban were Ai (Josh 8), Makkedah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir (Josh 10), and Hazor (Josh 11). Early practice was regulated, presumably by oracle (Num 21:1-3; but cf. (Josh 11:12-13). The ban is connected (though not synonymous) with the taking of booty after battle and warriors’ compensation. Under the Israelite monarchy, distribution of booty became the king’s prerogative (1Sam 30:23-25), and the ban was presented as a comprehensive commandment from antiquity, applicable to all cities within the “promised” land that refused the invaders’ offer of peace (Deut 20:10-18).
