Deuteronomy 2:12
The 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.)
The Horites
The Horites were an ancient people who inhabited the region of Seir before the descendants of Esau. The name "Horites" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֹרִי" (Hori), which is believed to mean "cave dwellers." This suggests that they may have lived in the mountainous and cave-rich areas of Seir. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such communities, indicating a society that was eventually displaced by the Edomites, the descendants of Esau.

had previously lived in Seir
The phrase indicates a historical occupancy of the land by the Horites before the Edomites. Seir is a mountainous region located in what is now modern-day Jordan. The historical context here is significant, as it shows the transient nature of territorial possession in the ancient Near East. The land of Seir was strategically important, and its control was contested by various groups over time.

but the descendants of Esau drove them out
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau, Jacob's brother, that he would have a land of his own. The Hebrew root for "drove them out" is "ירש" (yarash), which means to dispossess or inherit. This action by Esau's descendants is seen as divinely sanctioned, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in granting lands to nations according to His purposes.

They destroyed the Horites from before them
The destruction of the Horites signifies a complete removal and replacement of one people by another. This reflects the common ancient practice of conquest and settlement. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" is "שמד" (shamad), which implies a thorough and decisive action. This mirrors the biblical narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, emphasizing the idea of divine judgment and the establishment of a new order.

and settled in their place
The descendants of Esau not only drove out the Horites but also established themselves in their territory. The Hebrew word "ישב" (yashab) means to sit, dwell, or remain, indicating a permanent settlement. This settlement is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Esau's lineage in a land of their own, paralleling Israel's eventual settlement in Canaan.

just as Israel did in the land
This comparison between Esau's descendants and Israel underscores a parallel in their histories. Both groups received land as part of God's covenantal promises. The phrase serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His word and His sovereign distribution of lands to nations according to His divine plan.

the LORD gave them as their possession
The ultimate source of the land is attributed to the LORD, emphasizing His role as the sovereign giver of land and blessings. The Hebrew word for "gave" is "נתן" (natan), which conveys the idea of a gift or grant. This divine bestowal underscores the theological principle that all land and blessings come from God, and it is He who determines the boundaries and possessions of nations. This reinforces the belief in God's providential care and His active role in the history of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Horites
An ancient people who originally inhabited the region of Seir. They were known for their mountainous dwellings and were eventually displaced by the descendants of Esau.

2. Seir
A mountainous region located in Edom, south of the Dead Sea. It became the possession of Esau's descendants after they drove out the Horites.

3. Descendants of Esau
Also known as the Edomites, they are the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. They settled in the region of Seir after displacing the Horites.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Jacob (Esau's brother). They were given the land of Canaan as their inheritance by God.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the divine orchestrator of Israel's history and the giver of the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Land Allocation
God is the ultimate authority over the earth and its territories. Just as He allocated Seir to Esau's descendants, He also designated Canaan for Israel. This reminds us of God's control over our lives and circumstances.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
The displacement of the Horites and the settlement of Esau's descendants in Seir demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in His timing.

The Importance of Obedience and Faithfulness
The Israelites' conquest of Canaan required obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. Similarly, believers are called to live obediently, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us see God's hand in history. It encourages us to reflect on how God is working in our own lives and the world today.

The Role of Divine Providence
The account of land possession highlights divine providence. Believers are encouraged to recognize and rely on God's providence in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the displacement of the Horites by Esau's descendants illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and lands?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promises in our own lives, similar to how He fulfilled His promises to Esau and Israel?

3. What lessons can we learn from the obedience and faithfulness required of Israel as they took possession of the Promised Land?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Deuteronomy 2:12 enhance our appreciation of God's work in history?

5. How can we apply the concept of divine providence in our daily decision-making and trust in God's plan for our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36:8-9
This passage provides background on Esau's move to the hill country of Seir and the establishment of his descendants there, connecting to the displacement of the Horites.

Numbers 21:21-35
These verses describe Israel's journey and conquests as they approach the Promised Land, paralleling the displacement of the Horites by Esau's descendants.

Joshua 11:16-23
This passage details Israel's conquest of Canaan, similar to how Esau's descendants took over Seir, emphasizing God's role in granting land to His chosen people.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, AmmonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
People
Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites
Places
Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, Zered
Topics
Aforetime, Beforetime, Descendants, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Dispossess, Dispossessed, Drove, Dwell, Dwelt, Earlier, Esau, Formerly, Heritage, Horim, Horims, Horites, Past, Possession, Seir, Se'ir, Settled, Sons, Stead, Succeeded, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:8

     5336   highway

Library
A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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