Wanderings in the Wilderness 1Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea,a as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir. 2At this time the LORD said to me, 3“You have been wandering around this hill country long enough; turn to the north 4and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. 5Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. 6You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’” 7Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. 8So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab. 9Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” 10(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. 11Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites. 12The Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land that the LORD gave them as their possession.) 13“Now arise and cross over the Brook of Zered.” So we crossed over the Brook of Zered. 14The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook of Zered was thirty-eight years, until that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. 15Indeed, the LORD’s hand was against them, to eliminate them from the camp, until they had all perished. 16Now when all the fighting men among the people had died, 17the LORD said to me, 18“Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar. 19But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” 20(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. 21They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, 22just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day. 23And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtorb and settled in their place.) The Defeat of Sihon 24“Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. 25This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” 26So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying, 27“Let us pass through your land; we will stay on the main road. We will not turn to the right or to the left. 28You can sell us food to eat and water to drink in exchange for silver. Only let us pass through on foot, 29just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir and the Moabites who live in Ar did for us, until we cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD our God is giving us.” 30But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day. 31Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.” 32So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. 33And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him and his sons and his whole army. 34At that time we captured all his cities and devoted to destructionc the people of every city, including women and children. We left no survivors. 35We carried off for ourselves only the livestock and the plunder from the cities we captured. 36From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them. 37But you did not go near the land of the Ammonites, or the land along the banks of the Jabbok River, or the cities of the hill country, or any place that the LORD our God had forbidden. Footnotes: 1 a Or the Sea of Reeds 23 b That is, Crete 34 c Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Deuteronomy 2 Summary The Defeat of SihonVerses 1–3 – Turning North After Long Wandering Verses 4–8 – Passing Peacefully through Edom Verses 9–15 – Skirting Moab and Waiting for the Old Generation to Pass Verses 16–23 – Crossing toward Ammon and Remembering the Giants Verses 24–31 – Command to Confront Sihon, King of Heshbon Verses 32–37 – Victory over Sihon and the First Foothold East of the Jordan Deuteronomy 2 recounts part of the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the wilderness, guided by God's commands. Moses narrates how God instructed them to steer clear of conflict with certain nations, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over both Israel and the other nations. Setting and Timeline • Deuteronomy 2 occurs in the 40th year of wilderness life (Deuteronomy 1:3). • Verses 13–14 pinpoint the 38-year span that separates Israel’s refusal at Kadesh (Numbers 14) from their arrival at the Zered Valley. • The speech is delivered east of the Jordan in the plains of Moab but looks back over four decades of movement. Respect for Family Lines: Edom, Moab, and Ammon God guards the inheritance of Abraham’s wider family. • Edom (Esau) – Genesis 36 traces their line; God says, “I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession” (v. 5). • Moab and Ammon (Lot) – Genesis 19:36-38 records their origins. Deuteronomy 2:9, 19 repeats, “I will not give you any of their land.” This divine boundary-setting underlines that not every military opportunity is God-approved. It also foreshadows Paul’s reminder: “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). The Slow Erasing of the Old Generation Numbers 14:29-35 pronounces the sentence; Deuteronomy 2:14-15 confirms its completion: “the hand of the LORD was against them to eliminate them from the camp.” Patience was required—nearly four decades of sand, tents, and funerals—before new possibilities opened. Ancient Peoples and the Giant Clans The chapter contains flashbacks to vanished nations: • Emim (Moab’s giants) – v. 10 • Horites (original settlers of Seir) – v. 12 • Rephaim/Zamzummim (linked with Og, Deuteronomy 3:11) – v. 20-21 • Avvim/Caphtorim (Philistine precursors) – v. 23 Archaeology in the Transjordan reveals large basalt ruins (dolmens, megalithic tombs) that match the biblical memory of formidable earlier inhabitants. God-Given Boundaries and Ownership The land grants in this chapter emphasize that God, not human strength, decides borders (Acts 17:26). Israel must buy provisions (vv. 6-7, 28-29) and honor property lines, illustrating stewardship and restraint. From Waiting to Warfare Verse 24 signals the shift from peaceful passage to conquest. Waiting seasons end when God says, “Begin to possess.” The first battle east of the Jordan sets a pattern: listen, obey, trust. The Hardening of Hearts—Sihon and Pharaoh “The LORD… hardened his spirit” (v. 30) echoes Exodus 9:12. Hardened hearts expose God’s justice and highlight His power to deliver. Romans 9:17 picks up the theme, showing that God’s sovereignty stands even when rulers resist Him. Echoes Across Scripture • Psalm 136:10-26 retells the Sihon victory as a reason to praise. • Nehemiah 9:22 reflects on these same events during national repentance. • Hebrews 3:7-19 warns believers not to copy the unbelief of the lost wilderness generation. Archaeological and Geographical Notes • Mount Seir – rugged land south-southeast of the Dead Sea, rich in copper mines. • Elath and Ezion-geber – twin ports at the Gulf of Aqaba; Egyptian mining records corroborate Late Bronze Age activity. • Zered (Wadi al-Hasa) – a steep gorge roughly 30 miles long marking the Moab-Edom border. • Arnon Gorge (Wadi Mujib) – 3,000-foot cliffs cut across central Moab; Mesha Stele (9th cent. BC) names “Aroer by the Arnon” (v. 36). • Heshbon – tell el-Hesban, strategic plateau city controlling north-south traffic. Living Lessons for Today • God’s timing is perfect; years of seeming delay prepare us for doors that only He can open. • Boundaries matter—respect them in family, community, and nation. • Generational turnover does not cancel promises; it positions fresh hearts to receive them. • First victories build faith for the next. Remember Sihon before facing Og (Deuteronomy 3). Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Timing Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Respect for Others Romans 12:18 - If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. God's Provision Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Obedience John 14:15 - If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingDeuteronomy 2:3 states, You have circled this mountain long enough; turn northward. This verse highlights God's control over the timing and direction of our lives. Respect for Boundaries Verses 4-5 instruct the Israelites not to provoke the descendants of Esau, as God had given them their land. This teaches us to respect the boundaries God sets for us and others. Provision in the Wilderness In verse 7, we read, For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. God's provision and care are evident even in difficult times. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' journey was marked by obedience to God's instructions, as seen in verses 13-14, where they are told to cross the Zered Valley. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The chapter concludes with the Israelites defeating King Sihon of Heshbon, demonstrating God's faithfulness in delivering His promises (verses 24-36). Practical Applications Trust in God's TimingJust as the Israelites had to wait for God's timing, we should trust that God knows the best time for us to move forward in our lives. Respect and Honor Others Recognize and respect the boundaries and territories God has established for others, fostering peace and cooperation. Rely on God's Provision In times of uncertainty, remember that God provides for our needs, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness. Commit to Obedience Make a conscious effort to follow God's commands, knowing that obedience leads to blessings and fulfillment of His promises. Celebrate God's Faithfulness Reflect on past victories and answered prayers as reminders of God's unwavering faithfulness. People 1. The IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who are journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. They are the primary audience of the instructions and narrative in Deuteronomy. 2. Esau (Edomites) The descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, who settled in the region of Seir. The Israelites are instructed not to provoke them because God has given the land of Seir to Esau's descendants as their possession (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). 3. Moabites The descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, who inhabit the land of Moab. The Israelites are told not to harass or provoke them in battle, as God has given Ar to the Moabites as their possession (Deuteronomy 2:9). 4. Ammonites Another group descended from Lot, who live in the land of Ammon. Similar to the Moabites, the Israelites are instructed not to disturb them because God has given the land of the Ammonites to them as a possession (Deuteronomy 2:19). 5. Sihon The king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon. God hardens his spirit and makes his heart obstinate to deliver him into the hands of the Israelites, leading to a battle in which the Israelites defeat him and take possession of his land (Deuteronomy 2:24-36). Places 1. SeirDeuteronomy 2:1: "Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the LORD had directed me. For many days we made our way around the hill country of Seir." Seir refers to the mountainous region inhabited by the descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites. The Hebrew root for Seir (שֵׂעִיר) can mean "hairy" or "shaggy," possibly referring to the rugged terrain. 2. Edom Deuteronomy 2:4: "And command the people: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so be very careful." Edom is the territory associated with Esau, Jacob's brother. The name Edom (אֱדוֹם) is derived from the Hebrew word for "red," which is linked to Esau's appearance at birth and the red stew for which he sold his birthright. 3. Ar Deuteronomy 2:9: "Then the LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.’" Ar is a city or region in Moab, given to the descendants of Lot. The Hebrew root (עַר) suggests a city or a place of habitation. 4. Moab Deuteronomy 2:9: "Then the LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war...’" Moab is the land inhabited by the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. The name Moab (מוֹאָב) is traditionally understood to mean "from the father," reflecting the biblical account of Moab's origins. 5. Zered Valley Deuteronomy 2:13: "Now get up and cross the Zered Valley." The Zered Valley is a geographical feature marking the boundary between Moab and Edom. The Hebrew root (זֶרֶד) is not well-defined but is associated with a stream or valley. 6. Ammon Deuteronomy 2:19: "When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites as a possession, because I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession." Ammon is the territory of the Ammonites, also descendants of Lot. The name Ammon (עַמּוֹן) is related to the Hebrew word for "people" or "nation." 7. Heshbon Deuteronomy 2:24: "Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, into your hands." Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites. The Hebrew root (חֶשְׁבּוֹן) can mean "stronghold" or "fortress." 8. Jahaz Deuteronomy 2:32: "So Sihon and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz." Jahaz is the location where the Israelites defeated Sihon. The Hebrew root (יָהַץ) is not clearly defined but is associated with a place of battle. Events 1. Journey through the WildernessThe Israelites set out from Kadesh and traveled through the wilderness toward the Red Sea as the LORD had directed them. This journey took many years as they circled Mount Seir. The Hebrew term for "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) often signifies a desolate or uninhabited region, emphasizing the challenging conditions faced by the Israelites. 2. Command to Pass through Seir God instructed the Israelites to pass through the territory of their relatives, the descendants of Esau, who lived in Seir. They were to be careful not to provoke them, as God had given Esau's descendants their land as a possession. The Hebrew root for "pass through" (עָבַר, avar) implies moving across or through a region without causing conflict. 3. Purchase of Food and Water The Israelites were commanded to buy food and water from the Edomites, showing respect and fairness. This reflects the principle of peaceful coexistence and respect for the possessions of others, as indicated by the Hebrew word for "buy" (שָׁבַר, shabar), which means to purchase or trade. 4. Forty Years in the Wilderness The narrative recounts that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until the entire generation of fighting men perished, as the LORD had sworn. This period of wandering was a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. The number forty (אַרְבָּעִים, arba'im) often symbolizes a period of testing or judgment in the Hebrew Bible. 5. Passing through Moab The Israelites were instructed to pass through the territory of Moab without harassing them, as God had not given them any of the Moabite land. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, and their land was also divinely allocated. The Hebrew root for "harass" (צָרַר, tsarar) means to distress or trouble, highlighting the command to avoid conflict. 6. Defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon God delivered Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon, into the hands of the Israelites. They defeated him and took possession of his land. This victory was a significant step in the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "defeat" (נָכָה, nakah) implies striking or smiting, indicating a decisive military victory. 7. Destruction of Cities The Israelites captured and destroyed all the cities of Sihon, leaving no survivors. This act of total destruction, or "herem" (חֵרֶם), was commanded by God as a form of divine judgment against the Amorites. The Hebrew concept of "herem" involves dedicating something to God, often through complete destruction. 8. Possession of the Land The Israelites took possession of the land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but they did not encroach on the land of the Ammonites, as God had forbidden them. This careful adherence to divine boundaries underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for "possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) means to inherit or take possession, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises. Topics 1. Journey through the Wilderness (Deuteronomy 2:1-3)The Israelites are reminded of their journey through the wilderness, specifically their time spent circling Mount Seir. The Hebrew root for "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, ^midbar^) often signifies a place of testing and reliance on God. 2. Command to Pass through Edom (Deuteronomy 2:4-6) God instructs the Israelites to pass through the territory of the descendants of Esau in Seir, emphasizing peaceful passage and the purchase of food and water. The Hebrew word for "pass through" (עָבַר, ^avar^) implies movement with respect and caution. 3. Respect for Edom's Territory (Deuteronomy 2:7-8) The Israelites are reminded of God's provision during their journey and are commanded not to provoke the Edomites. The emphasis is on respecting boundaries and acknowledging God's blessings. 4. Journey past Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9) God instructs the Israelites not to harass the Moabites, as their land is not given to Israel. The Hebrew root for "harass" (צָרַר, ^tsarar^) indicates causing distress or trouble. 5. The Defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:24-25) God commands the Israelites to engage Sihon in battle, promising victory and instilling fear among other nations. The Hebrew root for "defeat" (נָכָה, ^nakah^) conveys the idea of striking or smiting. 6. Conquest of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:26-31) The narrative describes the diplomatic attempt to pass through Sihon's land peacefully, which is rejected, leading to God's intervention and the subsequent conquest. The Hebrew term for "conquest" (לָכַד, ^lakad^) means to capture or seize. 7. Destruction of Sihon's Cities (Deuteronomy 2:32-37) The Israelites capture and destroy the cities of Sihon, sparing no one, as commanded by God. The Hebrew root for "destroy" (חָרַם, ^charam^) implies complete devotion to destruction as an act of divine judgment. Themes 1. Divine Guidance and CommandDeuteronomy 2 emphasizes God's guidance and commands to the Israelites during their journey. The chapter begins with God directing the Israelites to turn northward (Deuteronomy 2:3). The Hebrew root word for "command" (צָוָה, tsavah) underscores the authority and intentionality behind God's instructions. 2. Respect for Edom, Moab, and Ammon The Israelites are instructed not to harass or provoke the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, as these lands were given to the descendants of Esau and Lot (Deuteronomy 2:4-5, 9, 19). This theme highlights the respect for boundaries and God's sovereign distribution of land. The Hebrew word for "harass" (גָּרָה, garah) implies stirring up or inciting conflict, which God explicitly forbids. 3. God's Provision and Sustenance The chapter recounts how God provided for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, ensuring they lacked nothing (Deuteronomy 2:7). The Hebrew term for "lacked" (חָסֵר, chaser) conveys the completeness of God's provision, emphasizing His faithfulness and care. 4. Divine Judgment and Conquest The narrative includes God's judgment on the Amorites and the subsequent conquest of their land by the Israelites (Deuteronomy 2:24-25, 31-34). This theme reflects God's justice and the fulfillment of His promises. The Hebrew root for "conquer" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) indicates taking possession, underscoring the divine mandate for Israel's actions. 5. Fear of the Lord and His Reputation The fear and dread of the Israelites that God instills in other nations (Deuteronomy 2:25) highlight the theme of God's reputation and the awe He inspires. The Hebrew word for "fear" (פַּחַד, pachad) suggests a reverential fear that acknowledges God's power and authority. 6. Obedience and Faithfulness The chapter underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as the Israelites navigate their journey (Deuteronomy 2:1-3, 13). The Hebrew root for "obey" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies listening with the intent to act, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. Answering Tough Questions 1. Deuteronomy 2:10–11 mentions the Emim as “giants”; where is the archaeological or scientific evidence for such gigantic peoples? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think God instructed the Israelites to avoid conflict with some nations? 2. How does God's directive to buy food and water from the Edomites promote peaceful coexistence? 3. Reflect on the significance of the 38 years the Israelites spent wandering before reaching the Wadi Zered. 4. What does the mention of former inhabitants, like the Emites and Anakites, tell us about the changing nature of territories? 5. How does God's assurance of victory over Sihon relate to challenges we face in our lives? 6. In what ways might we be wandering in our own "wilderness" today, waiting for God's direction? 7. How can respecting the boundaries of others, as the Israelites did with Edom, be applied in modern relationships and situations? 8. Can you identify moments in your life where you felt guided to either confront or avoid a situation? 9. How can we distinguish between battles we're meant to fight and those we should sidestep? 10. What lessons can be drawn from Israel's long journey before reaching the promised land? 11. How does understanding the histories of lands, like the past of the Moabites and Ammonites, enrich our understanding of the present? 12. In what ways does Moses act as a leader and mediator between God and the Israelites in this chapter? 13. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of patience in our journey with God? 14. What does it mean for God to have sovereignty over both Israel and the other nations? 15. How can we cultivate a sense of trust in God's timing, even in periods of uncertainty? 16. Can you think of a time when avoiding conflict was wiser than confronting it head-on? 17. How does God's care for Israel in their wanderings reflect His care for us in our life journeys? 18. In modern times, how can we interpret the instruction to neither "harass nor provoke" others? 19. In what ways do we experience God's provision during our own life's journeys? 20. How does the balance between obedience to God's directives and the promise of eventual victory inspire you in your personal faith journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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