Bible Dictionary
SPOILER
A spoiler is an invader or destroyer who plunders and devastates a land. The prophets use the term especially for enemies who desolate Judah, Moab, and Babylon.
Definition
A spoiler is an invader or destroyer who plunders, devastates, or lays waste to a country. The word describes an enemy whose advance brings destruction and desolation.
Biblical Usage
Jeremiah uses “the spoiler” generally for invading enemies, especially those who attack Judah and Moab and those from the north who assail Babylon. In one passage it refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s advance against Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The term is a recurring prophetic expression. The American Standard Revised Version consistently renders it “destroyer,” emphasizing the devastation caused by the invading enemy.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>spoil'-er (ha-shodhedh, "the spoiler"): A favorite expression of the prophet Jeremiah by which he describes generally the enemies that invade and devastate a country--with special reference to enemies that invade Judah (Jer 12:12; 15:8); to enemies who devastate Moab (48:8,18); to enemies from the North who are to assail Babylon (51:48), and in one case (6:26) to Nebuchadrezzar making an irresistible advance upon Jerusalem. the American Standard Revised Version uniformly renders "destroyer."</p>