Deuteronomy 2:2
At this time the LORD said to me,
At this time
This phrase indicates a specific moment in the narrative of Israel's journey. The Hebrew root for "time" is "עֵת" (et), which often signifies an appointed or significant moment. In the context of Deuteronomy, this marks a pivotal point in Israel's history as they transition from wandering in the wilderness to preparing to enter the Promised Land. It underscores God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over the events of history. For believers, it serves as a reminder that God’s timing is impeccable, and His plans unfold precisely when they are meant to, encouraging trust and patience in His divine schedule.

the LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters is a translation of the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name emphasizes God's eternal existence, faithfulness, and covenant relationship with His people. It is a reminder of His unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfill His promises. For the Israelites, invoking the name of the LORD would have been a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that the same God who delivered them from Egypt was guiding them into the Promised Land. For Christians, it is a call to recognize the personal and relational nature of God, who is both transcendent and immanent.

said
The Hebrew word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is a common verb used throughout the Old Testament to denote speech or communication. In this context, it signifies direct divine revelation. God is actively communicating with Moses, providing guidance and instruction. This highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being attentive to His guidance. It also reflects the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leader, Moses. For believers today, it is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit, and being obedient to His direction.

to me
The phrase "to me" personalizes the communication, indicating that God is speaking directly to Moses. This personal address underscores Moses' role as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. It also highlights the personal nature of God's relationship with His servants. Moses is not just a leader but a prophet who receives and conveys God's will to the people. For Christians, this serves as a reminder that God desires a personal relationship with each of His followers, and He communicates with us individually, guiding us in our personal journeys of faith. It encourages believers to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with God, where they can hear His voice and follow His leading.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who guides and instructs His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who receives direct communication from God.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

4. Wilderness Journey
The context of this passage, where the Israelites are wandering due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

5. Mount Seir
The region associated with the descendants of Esau, which the Israelites are instructed to pass by.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
God speaks to His people, providing direction and purpose. We must be attentive to His voice in our lives through prayer and Scripture.

Obedience to God's Timing
The Israelites' journey was directed by God's timing. We should trust in God's perfect timing for our own lives, even when it requires patience.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The wilderness experience was a result of disobedience. Reflect on past mistakes to grow in faith and obedience.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's failures, God remains faithful in guiding them. Trust in God's unwavering faithfulness in your journey.

The Importance of Leadership
Moses' role as a leader highlights the importance of godly leadership. Seek to be a leader who listens to and follows God's direction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's communication with Moses in Deuteronomy 2:2 reflect His desire to guide us today?

2. In what ways can we ensure we are listening to God's voice and not our own desires?

3. How can the Israelites' experience in the wilderness teach us about the consequences of disobedience?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's timing rather than your own?

5. How can you apply the lessons of godly leadership from Moses' example in your own life or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3
The calling of Moses, where God first speaks to him, establishing the pattern of divine communication.

Numbers 14
The Israelites' rebellion and the resulting punishment of wandering in the wilderness, setting the stage for the events in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 1
The recounting of Israel's journey and the previous instructions given by God, providing context for the current directive.

Psalm 32:8
God's promise to instruct and teach His people, reflecting His guidance in Deuteronomy 2:2.

Hebrews 3:7-19
A New Testament reflection on the Israelites' wilderness experience, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith.
A New DepartureC. S. Robinson, D. D.Deuteronomy 2:1-7
A Sermon for the New YearW. E. Sellers.Deuteronomy 2:1-7
A Short Account of the Long Story of Israel in the WildernessHenry, MatthewDeuteronomy 2:1-7
Comfort in the WildernessW. Hoyt.Deuteronomy 2:1-7
Forty YearsDeuteronomy 2:1-7
The Divine Recall to DutyJ. L. Williams, B. A.Deuteronomy 2:1-7
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
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
Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 1:45

     5147   deafness
     5148   ear
     5198   weeping
     6109   alienation

Deuteronomy 1:43-45

     8617   prayer, effective

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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