Deuteronomy 2
Deuteronomy 2:1: The Seed of Esau and Lot Spared In this passage, Moses reviews the long time Israel spent wandering in the wilderness. He explains that God let them stay in the desert for almost thirty-eight years, not only as a punishment for their disobedience, but also to prepare them for entering Canaan. During this time, God taught them to trust Him and helped them grow in faith. At the same time, the Canaanites became less careful, thinking Israel would never attack, which made their later defeat more sudden.v. 1: The people of Israel traveled around Mount Seir for many days (v. 1 a). This long journey humbled them and taught them to rely on God. God used this time to prepare both Israel and the Canaanites for what was coming. v. 2-3: God finally told the Israelites it was time to turn toward Canaan. Even though God sometimes waits a long time to help us, He always brings deliverance at the right moment. His promises never fail. – v. 4-5: God gave a strong command not to fight or harm the Edomites, the descendants of Esau (v. 4-5 b). Israel was not allowed to take any of Edom’s land, even if they had the power to do so. God had already given Mount Seir to the Edomites, and Israel had to respect that. This teaches us to treat others fairly, even when we could take advantage of them (Numbers 20:21; Isaiah 5:8 c). – v. 6-7: Instead of taking from the Edomites, Israel was to buy food and water from them and pay for it (v. 6 d). God reminded them that He had always taken care of their needs, so they did not have to beg or steal (v. 7 e). God’s people should trust Him to provide and always act honestly with others. – Deuteronomy 2:8: The Seed of Esau and Lot Spared In this passage, Moses explains how Israel passed by the lands of their relatives, the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, on their way to Canaan. Even though these nations had not always treated Israel kindly, Moses still calls the Edomites “our brethren, the children of Esau” (v. 8 f). This shows that God wanted Israel to remember their family connections and treat these nations with respect. Moses also gives a history of how these nations came to live in their lands, and why Israel was not allowed to take their territory. God had given these lands to the descendants of Esau and Lot, and Israel had to honor that.v. 8: Moses calls the Edomites “our brethren,” even though they had refused Israel passage earlier (v. 8 g). This teaches us to keep showing kindness and respect to family, even if they have not always acted kindly toward us. v. 9, 19: God told Israel not to fight or take land from the Moabites or Ammonites because they were descendants of Lot (v. 9, 19 h). God had given them their land, and Israel had to respect that. This shows that God gives blessings even to those who are not part of Israel, and His people must act justly toward everyone. v. 10-12, 20-23: Moses explains that the Moabites, Edomites, and Ammonites were not the first people to live in their lands. The Moabites took their land from the Emim, a race of giants (v. 10-11 i). The Edomites took Mount Seir from the Horim (v. 12, 22; Genesis 36:20 j). The Ammonites took their land from the Zamzummim, also called Zuzim (v. 20-21; Genesis 14:5 k). Even the Caphtorim, related to the Philistines, drove out the Avim (v. 23; Genesis 10:14 l). These stories show that land and power can change hands, but it is God who decides who gets what. v. 11, 21: Moses points out that even giants were defeated by ordinary people, showing that strength alone does not guarantee victory. God’s judgment can remove even the strongest if they are wicked (v. 11, 21; Genesis 6:4 m). – v. 13-16: Israel crossed the brook Zered and saw that God’s word had come true—none of the old generation was left except Caleb and Joshua (v. 13-16; Numbers 14:23 n). God waited until all the old soldiers were gone before letting Israel fight for Canaan, so everyone would know the victory was from God, not from human strength. – – – – – – – – – – Deuteronomy 2:24: History of the Moabites In this passage, Moses explains how God rewarded Israel for obeying His command not to attack the Moabites and Ammonites. Even though Israel could have taken those lands, they waited and trusted God. As a result, God allowed them to conquer the land of Sihon, king of the Amorites. This teaches us that when we obey God, even if it seems like we are missing out, God will bless us in the end.v. 24-25: God tells Israel to begin taking possession of Sihon's land (v. 24-25 o). God promises to make the enemy afraid and to help Israel win. But the people still have to fight and work for what God gives them. God’s power will be with them, but they must act in faith (Exodus 15:14 p). – v. 26-29: Moses sends a message of peace to Sihon, asking only for permission to pass through his land and offering to pay for any food or water (v. 26-29 q). This shows that Israel did not want to fight unless they had to, and that Sihon had a chance to do what was right. – – – v. 30-32: But Sihon refused and began the war against Israel (v. 30-32 r). God made Sihon's heart stubborn, so he would fight and be defeated. Sometimes God lets people make bad choices so His plan will happen (Micah 4:11-13; Revelation 16:14 s). – – v. 33-34: Israel won the battle and destroyed all the Amorites, as God had commanded (v. 33-34 t). This was not ordinary war, but a special judgment from God because the Amorites’ sins were so great (Genesis 15:16 u). Israel was acting as God’s instrument of justice. v. 34-36: Israel took the cities, goods, and land of the Amorites (v. 34-36 v). For a people who had lived in the wilderness all their lives, this was a huge change. It was a small taste of the greater blessings God had promised them in the land of Canaan, and it points forward to the even greater blessings God gives His people in heaven.
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