High Cherem during the Desert Period
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Question
Hello, The cherem that the children of Israel dedicated in the desert, meaning the spoils - what does this dedication mean, does it mean that the spoils go to the Temple? For example, for public sacrifices?
Answer
Hello and blessings
Cherem means destruction.
However, in Parashat Chukat it is stated (Numbers 21:2-3) And Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said: If Thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities: And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah: here it means to dedicate them to the Lord. Ramban explains that it means 'to the treasury of the House of the Lord'.
Source
Numbers 21:2-3