Deuteronomy 2 13

Deuteronomy 2:13 kjv

Now rise up, said I, and get you over the brook Zered. And we went over the brook Zered.

Deuteronomy 2:13 nkjv

" 'Now rise and cross over the Valley of the Zered.' So we crossed over the Valley of the Zered.

Deuteronomy 2:13 niv

And the LORD said, "Now get up and cross the Zered Valley." So we crossed the valley.

Deuteronomy 2:13 esv

'Now rise up and go over the brook Zered.' So we went over the brook Zered.

Deuteronomy 2:13 nlt

Moses continued, "Then the LORD said to us, 'Get moving. Cross the Zered Brook.' So we crossed the brook.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 13 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:13 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey, signifying the immediate, divinely commanded transition from the 38-year period of wandering and judgment in the wilderness to the final approach toward the Promised Land. This verse highlights the end of God's disciplinary phase for the disobedient generation that had perished, and the activation of a new generation's progress under God's continued direction and faithfulness, demanding their prompt obedience in advancing to the next stage of their national calling.

Deuteronomy 2 13 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 2 details Israel's final stage of journey towards the Promised Land after the 38-year wilderness wandering, which served as divine punishment for their unbelief and rebellion at Kadesh-barnea. Prior to verse 13, Moses recounts their long circumnavigation of Edom and Moab, nations whom God commanded Israel not to provoke, recognizing their God-given territories. The Brook Zered is therefore not just a geographical landmark, but a chronological marker. It signifies the end of the generational judgment—by this point, every male fighter who was twenty years old or older at the time of the rebellion at Kadesh had died in the wilderness (as stated explicitly in Deut 2:14). Thus, the crossing of Zered marks a definitive close to a difficult period and the opening of a new chapter where a new, more obedient generation would take possession of the land.

Deuteronomy 2 13 Word analysis

• "Now" (עַתָּה - attah): This adverb marks an immediate urgency and emphasis. It signals a shift from past wandering and divine judgment to present action and divine leading. It denotes a moment of strategic readiness and divine command being given and enacted.
• "rise up," (קוּמוּ - qumu): This is an imperative plural verb, indicating a direct command for active physical movement and preparation. It's not passive waiting but an energized stance. It suggests purpose and readiness for the next stage of God's plan, contrasting with the previous aimless wandering.
• "said I," (וָאֹמַר - wa'omar): This signifies Moses speaking, recounting God's instruction to the people. It underscores his role as the leader and mediator of God's will to Israel, making the command official and divinely authorized through him.
• "and cross over" (וְעִבְרוּ - ve'ivru): Also an imperative plural. This command emphasizes a complete traverse across a boundary. It's more than just reaching a border; it’s about physically moving beyond it, symbolizing entry into a new phase.
• "the Brook Zered" (נַחַל זֶרֶד - Nahal Zered): A "nahal" is a seasonal watercourse or wadi. Zered is a geographical boundary, separating Moab from the wilderness or the territory already passed through. Its crossing represents a tangible end to the period of wandering, and the entry into more defined territories leading towards Canaan. It is the practical and visible end point of the divine judgment and wilderness training for the generation who had matured.
• "Now rise up," said I, "and cross over the Brook Zered.": This complete first clause captures the decisive, divinely ordained directive given by God through Moses. It’s an active, immediate command to overcome a barrier and progress. It speaks to God's precise timing and expectation of immediate obedience.
• "So they crossed over the Brook Zered.": This second clause is a concise statement of Israel's direct and complete obedience. It highlights the successful execution of the divine command, indicating that the nation was now aligned with God’s purpose and ready for the next phase, unlike the previous generation that faltered in obedience.

Deuteronomy 2 13 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of the phrase "cross over the Brook Zered" within the same verse—first as a command, then as an action performed—is a literary technique emphasizing the certainty and promptness of obedience. It demonstrates God's sovereignty in directing their path and the people's compliance at this critical juncture. This event showcases a generational shift from those prone to rebellion and delay to a generation poised for action and conquest. It's a testament to God's patient yet resolute unfolding of His plan, even through periods of delay and judgment.

Deuteronomy 2 13 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:13 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, marking a crucial turning point in Israel's narrative. It signifies the triumphant conclusion of God’s disciplinary judgment and the commencement of active preparation for inheritance. After nearly four decades of meandering, this command to "rise up and cross over the Brook Zered" signals divine initiation and permission to move forward into a new season. The immediate response, "So they crossed over," underscores Israel's obedience and readiness. This transition highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His judgment on the disobedient generation while remaining true to His covenant promises for the new one. Practically, it reminds believers that while divine discipline may be lengthy, God always brings His purposes to fruition and provides a way forward into new seasons of blessing for those who trust and obey Him, calling them to move past spiritual stagnancy into purposeful advancement.