Deuteronomy 2 28

Deuteronomy 2:28 kjv

Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet;

Deuteronomy 2:28 nkjv

You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat, and give me water for money, that I may drink; only let me pass through on foot,

Deuteronomy 2:28 niv

Sell us food to eat and water to drink for their price in silver. Only let us pass through on foot?

Deuteronomy 2:28 esv

You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat, and give me water for money, that I may drink. Only let me pass through on foot,

Deuteronomy 2:28 nlt

Sell us food to eat and water to drink, and we will pay for it. All we want is permission to pass through your land.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 28 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:28 records Moses's appeal on behalf of the Israelites to King Sihon of Heshbon, seeking permission for peaceful transit through his territory. This request emphasizes a non-hostile intention: Israel offered to purchase all necessary provisions, like food and water, rather than taking them by force. It also clearly stipulated their desire to "only pass through on foot," signifying a minimal, non-threatening presence without military show or large encampments, reflecting Israel's commitment to honor agreements and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Deuteronomy 2 28 Context

Deuteronomy 2 is Moses's recollection and exposition of Israel's journey through the wilderness, specifically their movements and interactions with various peoples before entering the promised land. Following 38 years of wandering due to their disbelief at Kadesh-barnea, God commanded them to turn northward. They successfully navigated around the territories of Edom and Moab, as God had specifically forbidden Israel from engaging in conflict with these nations because their land was not designated for Israel to inherit (Deut 2:4-5, 2:9). Furthermore, God commanded Israel to purchase any necessary provisions from these nations, even in their land. This particular verse, Deuteronomy 2:28, presents Israel's peaceful and commerce-based request to King Sihon of the Amorites, following their obedient dealings with Edom and Moab. It demonstrates Israel's consistent intention to adhere to peaceful means of passage whenever possible, even as they approached a kingdom God intended for them to conquer. This sets up the dramatic contrast with Sihon's hostile refusal (Deut 2:30), which God had predetermined to facilitate Israel's victory.

Deuteronomy 2 28 Word analysis

• You shall sell me food:
  • Sell me: Hebrew, תֹּבֶר (tover), a participle form derived from the verb šāḇar (שָׁבַר), which can mean "to buy" or "to sell provisions." Here it signifies the purchase of provisions from Sihon. This highlights a commercial transaction rather than requisition or plunder, indicating a desire for a fair and lawful exchange.
  • Food: Hebrew, אֹכֶל (okhel), general term for food or provisions.
  • Significance: This phrase underscores Israel's commitment to righteousness and ethical conduct even during military campaigns or migrations. It contrasts with typical ancient Near Eastern practices of armies taking by force or demanding tribute for passage. It reflects God's command for Israel to interact fairly and lawfully with nations unless otherwise instructed for judgment.
• for money: Hebrew, בַּכֶּסֶף (bakesef), literally "with silver" or "with money."
  • Significance: Explicitly states the intent to pay. This removes any ambiguity regarding their request; it was a peaceful proposal based on economic exchange, not exploitation. It reinforces the principle of justice in dealings.
• that I may eat: A purpose clause.
  • Significance: States the clear and practical reason for the purchase – sustenance. It's about basic human need, not luxury or conquest.
• and give me water: Hebrew, מַיִם (mayim) for water.
  • Give me: Similar to "sell me," implies an exchange or purchase, though less directly stated than with "food." The broader context of paying for provisions indicates it's part of the agreed transaction.
  • Significance: Essential for survival, reinforcing the nature of the request as fundamental for passage, not military positioning.
• for money: Reinforces the payment for water as well.
  • Significance: Maintains consistency in their ethical and commercial approach.
• that I may drink: A purpose clause.
  • Significance: Direct reason for the water, for survival.
• Only let me pass through on foot:
  • Only: Hebrew, רַק (raq), a restrictive particle meaning "only," "merely," "but," "except."
  • Significance: This word is crucial, emphasizing the limited nature of their request. It underscores a non-aggressive stance and humble transit. They were not seeking to camp, settle, or bring their vast array of livestock and goods that would consume the land.
  • Pass through: Hebrew, אֶעֱבְרָה (e’evrah), "I will cross over," "I will pass through."
  • Significance: Indicates transit, not occupation. Their goal was merely to get from one side of his territory to the other.
  • on foot: Hebrew, בְרַגְלַי (beraglay), literally "with my feet."
  • Significance: This highlights their low impact and non-threatening approach. It implies they would not use chariots, heavy wagons, or make large, disruptive encampments. It's a statement of humility and reassurance that their presence would be transient and minimal. It suggests swift movement without demanding infrastructure or resources from Sihon's land beyond what they would purchase.

Deuteronomy 2 28 Bonus section

This verse is a prime example of Israel's attempt to adhere to international conventions of the day for obtaining safe passage, while also demonstrating unique ethical standards informed by their divine law. Their request, far from being a tactical ruse, was genuinely based on principles of justice and peace, aiming to avoid conflict unless it was explicitly willed by God or became unavoidable due to others' aggression. The "on foot" element implies a desire not to disturb the land or make any claims on it. Ancient Near Eastern kings would often be wary of armies passing through, fearing espionage, resource depletion, or even invasion; Israel sought to mitigate these fears through their stated terms. This specific instance illustrates God's sovereign control over nations and their rulers' hearts, setting up Sihon's inevitable and divinely-orchestrated resistance which then paved the way for Israel's conquest of the Amorite lands.

Deuteronomy 2 28 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:28 encapsulates Israel's strategic approach to obtaining peaceful passage through Sihon's territory, mirroring their attempts with Edom and Moab. It is a declaration of intent, characterized by respectful commerce and non-aggression, reflecting divine instructions for interacting with neighboring nations. By offering to purchase provisions and limiting their passage to mere transit "on foot," Israel showcased their commitment to just dealings, providing King Sihon with no legitimate reason for hostility. This proactive offer for a peaceful and commercial interaction serves as a powerful biblical testament to the principle of good faith negotiations and demonstrates that God's people should pursue peace where possible, even as part of a divinely ordained journey. The detailing of these terms (buying food and water, only foot passage) also contrasts starkly with Sihon's subsequent, divinely-hardened refusal, justifying Israel's eventual military action in self-defense and in accordance with God's ultimate plan for that specific land.