דברים, פרק כ׳, פסוק י״ד

During times of war, a clear distinction is made between combatants and the non-involved population or their property. Those actively fighting face execution, while women and small children are not viewed as enemies. Instead, they are considered part of the city's spoils and may be taken captive [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this group of protected children includes young males. Although there is a broader instruction to strike down all males, that directive applies exclusively to adult men, allowing small boys to be spared. This specific clarification is necessary because young girls are naturally included in the broader category of women, making it essential to explicitly state that young boys are also protected [משכיל לדוד].

Beyond the people, the physical property of the captured city is also claimed, including animals and other goods. A distinction is drawn based on where these items are located. Certain goods are found stored inside homes, while other spoils are scattered openly in the streets [אדרת אליהו]. To prevent soldiers from mistakenly believing that these captured goods are dedicated to God and therefore forbidden for personal benefit, it is made clear that the spoils are entirely permitted for their own private use [אדרת אליהו].

This permission extends directly to the consumption of captured food. The instruction to eat the enemy's spoils is not merely a description of the situation, but an explicit permission [אדרת אליהו]. This allowance is remarkably broad, permitting soldiers to eat foods that are normally strictly forbidden by Jewish law, such as pork or animals that were not slaughtered properly. This exceptional leniency is granted specifically to hungry soldiers who have no other food available, ensuring they do not weaken or lose their resolve during battle. However, this leniency has a strict limit. Any items used for idolatry, along with anything associated with such practices, remain absolutely forbidden and may not be eaten or used for any benefit under any circumstances [רלב״ג].