Deuteronomy 2:29
just 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."
just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir did for us
The "descendants of Esau" refers to the Edomites, who were the offspring of Esau, Jacob's brother. Esau's lineage is significant in biblical history as it represents a parallel line to the Israelites, descending from Isaac. The Edomites lived in the region of Seir, a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. Historically, the relationship between Israel and Edom was complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. In this context, the Israelites are recalling a time when the Edomites allowed them passage, highlighting a moment of cooperation and peace. This cooperation is a reminder of the familial ties and the potential for reconciliation and mutual respect, even among those with a history of rivalry.

and the Moabites who live in Ar
The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and lived in the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. "Ar" refers to a city or region within Moab. The Moabites, like the Edomites, had a complicated relationship with Israel. While there were times of hostility, this verse recalls a moment when the Moabites allowed the Israelites to pass through their land. This act of hospitality is significant, as it demonstrates the possibility of peaceful interactions between nations with shared ancestry. It also underscores the importance of diplomacy and the recognition of shared humanity in the biblical narrative.

until we cross the Jordan
The "Jordan" refers to the Jordan River, a significant geographical and spiritual landmark for the Israelites. Crossing the Jordan symbolizes a transition from the wilderness wanderings to entering the Promised Land. It represents a pivotal moment of faith and fulfillment of God's promises. The river itself is a boundary between the past struggles and the future hope, a place where the Israelites would experience God's miraculous provision as they entered a new chapter in their history.

into the land the LORD our God is giving us
This phrase emphasizes the divine promise and providence. The "land" refers to Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. The phrase "the LORD our God is giving us" highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The land is not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's blessing, provision, and the establishment of His people. This promise is central to the identity and mission of Israel, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty and grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Descendants of Esau
Also known as the Edomites, they were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. They lived in the region of Seir.

2. Seir
A mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, located southeast of the Dead Sea.

3. Moabites
Descendants of Moab, the son of Lot. They lived in the region of Ar, east of the Dead Sea.

4. Ar
A city or region in Moab, located east of the Jordan River.

5. Crossing the Jordan
Refers to the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, which God had promised to give them.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Guidance
God provides for His people even through unexpected means, such as the cooperation of neighboring nations.

Respecting Boundaries
The Israelites respected the boundaries of Edom and Moab, teaching us the importance of respecting others' territories and rights.

Trust in God's Promises
The journey towards the Promised Land required faith in God's promises, reminding us to trust in God's plans for our lives.

Interdependence Among Nations
The cooperation between Israel and its neighbors illustrates the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual support.

Historical Context and Relationships
Understanding the historical relationships between nations can provide insight into current interactions and conflicts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the cooperation of the Edomites and Moabites with Israel reflect God's provision in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of respecting boundaries in our personal and professional relationships?

3. How does the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land encourage us to trust in God's promises during uncertain times?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical relationships between Israel and its neighbors that apply to modern-day international relations?

5. How can understanding the origins and history of different people groups in the Bible enhance our study and application of Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 20:14-21
This passage describes the Israelites' request to pass through Edom, which was denied, highlighting the complex relationship between Israel and Edom.

Genesis 19:36-37
Provides background on the Moabites' origin, tracing back to Lot and his daughters.

Joshua 3:14-17
Describes the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites, fulfilling God's promise.

Genesis 32:3-4
Details Jacob's relationship with Esau, providing context for the historical interactions between their descendants.
The Destruction of Sihon, King of the AmoritesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Warrantable WarfareD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:24-37
The Conquest of SihonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:26-37
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
Ar, Cross, Dwell, Dwelling, Esau, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Jordan, Moabites, Pass, Seir, Se'ir, Sons, Till
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:28

     4293   water
     4363   silver
     5242   buying and selling

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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