Deuteronomy 2 4

Deuteronomy 2:4 kjv

And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

Deuteronomy 2:4 nkjv

And command the people, saying, "You are about to pass through the territory of your brethren, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore watch yourselves carefully.

Deuteronomy 2:4 niv

Give the people these orders: 'You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful.

Deuteronomy 2:4 esv

and command the people, "You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful.

Deuteronomy 2:4 nlt

Give these orders to the people: "You will pass through the country belonging to your relatives the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. The Edomites will feel threatened, so be careful.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 4 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:4 reveals God's specific instruction to Israel concerning their journey through the territory of Edom, descendants of Esau. Despite the animosity that might exist, Israel is commanded to treat them as "brethren" and not to engage in conflict or provoke them. This divine directive explicitly states that God has not designated any of Edom's land for Israel to possess, because Mount Seir had already been sovereignly given by God to Esau as a perpetual inheritance. This passage underscores God's meticulous care in defining the boundaries of nations, asserting His universal sovereignty and justice in allocating lands, not just to Israel but also to other peoples.

Deuteronomy 2 4 Context

Deuteronomy 2 marks a new phase in Israel's wilderness journey after 38 years of wandering and the death of the rebellious generation. They are now instructed by Moses on how to proceed into the Promised Land, beginning with their route around territories not divinely appointed for their possession. This verse, Dt 2:4, initiates God's directives regarding Israel's interaction with neighboring nations: Edom, Moab, and Ammon. Previously, at Kadesh Barnea (Num 20:14-21), Israel had sought peaceful passage through Edom, but was denied. Now, Moses reiterates God's command to respect Edomite sovereignty. This passage serves as a theological foundation, demonstrating that God's authority extends over all nations and their boundaries, not exclusively over Israel or Canaan. It contrasts with the upcoming command to utterly dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan, underscoring the specific and limited scope of Israel's conquest, strictly within God's declared will.

Deuteronomy 2 4 Word analysis

• And command (צַוֵּה - tsavveh): A strong, imperative verb. It denotes a direct, authoritative instruction from God through Moses, leaving no room for negotiation or misunderstanding. It signifies divine law or order.
• the people: Refers to the Israelites, specifically the new generation ready to enter the land.
• saying: Introduces the direct words of the command.
• Ye are to pass through (תֶּם עֹבְרִים - tem 'ovrim): Implies a continuous action or an impending movement, a transition through their territory, not an invasion.
• the coast (גְּבוּל - g'vul): Refers to the boundary, border, or territory of a nation. It denotes clearly defined geographical limits that must be respected.
• your brethren (אֲחֵיכֶם - 'acheichem): Emphasizes the kinship between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau). Despite their later conflicts, this term reminds them of their shared ancestral lineage, emphasizing a call for restraint and peaceful conduct based on familial connection.
• the children of Esau (בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו - b'nei Esav): Clearly identifies the Edomites.
• which dwell in Seir (הַיֹּשְׁבִים בְּשֵׂעִיר - hayoshevim b'Se'ir): Locates the Edomites in their specific dwelling place, Mount Seir, reinforcing the tangible, divinely appointed nature of their territory.
• and they shall be afraid of you (וְיֵרְאוּ מִכֶּם - v'yer'u mikkem): Indicates a supernatural awe or dread the Edomites will feel. This is a divine outcome, showcasing God's protective presence with Israel and discouraging any thought of exploiting this fear for conquest. It's a testament to Israel's God-backed power, not their own might.
• take ye good heed (נִשְׁמַרְתֶּם מְאֹד - nishmartem m'od): Literally, "be very guarded" or "take extreme care." This phrase emphasizes strong caution and diligence. It warns against any aggressive or opportunistic action.
• unto yourselves therefore: Reinforces the responsibility of the Israelites to protect their own conduct and spiritual integrity.
• and meddle not (וְלֹא תִתְגָּרוּ - v'lo titgāru): A direct prohibition from provoking or stirring up conflict. The root means "to quarrel, provoke to fight, contend." It forbids any initiation of hostility.
• with them: The Edomites.
• for I will not give you of their land (כִּי לֹא אֶתֵּן לָכֶם מֵאַרְצָם - ki lo etten lakem me'artam): God's clear declaration of intent. He is the ultimate distributor of land, and Edom's territory is not for Israel.
• no, not so much as a foot breadth (מִדְרַךְ כַּף רָגֶל - midrakh kaph regel): A literal step of the sole of the foot. This idiomatic expression emphasizes the absolute minimum, highlighting that not even the smallest portion of Edom's land is allocated to Israel. It reinforces the divine boundary's strictness.
• because (כִּי - ki): Introduces the divine reason for the prohibition.
• I have given (נָתַתִּי - natati): Past tense, signifying a completed divine act of bestowal.
• mount Seir (הַר שֵׂעִיר - har Se'ir): The specific mountain region.
• unto Esau for a possession (לְעֵשָׂו יְרֻשָּׁה - l'Esav yerushah): Establishes God's eternal grant of this land to Esau's descendants, a true inheritance.

Words-group analysis:

• "command the people, saying": This formal divine directive underscores the weight and authority of the instructions, originating from God through Moses. It's not a suggestion but an absolute decree.
• "pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir": This phrase precisely identifies the intended path and the people. The emphasis on "brethren" signals a divine expectation of peace despite the natural human tendency for tribal conflict, rooting it in their shared ancestry. The location "Seir" specifies the boundary and identity.
• "they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore, and meddle not with them": This juxtaposition is significant. God informs Israel of their psychological advantage (Edom's fear) but immediately countermands any inclination to exploit it. It is a powerful lesson in self-restraint, warning Israel not to take advantage of their divinely granted favor for personal gain or uncommanded conquest. The double injunction ("take heed," "meddle not") stresses the gravity of the command.
• "for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession": This provides the immutable theological reason. God, the sovereign distributor of lands, has already assigned Seir to Esau. This clarifies Israel's limitations and underscores God's justice. It reinforces that Israel's inheritance is specific, not a blanket permission to conquer any land they encounter. This teaches against a covetous or expansionist mindset beyond God's revealed will.

Deuteronomy 2 4 Bonus section

The divine allocation of Mount Seir to Esau is presented as an enduring "possession" (yerushah), mirroring the type of lasting inheritance granted to Israel in Canaan. This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of God's earlier decree for Esau's descendants. It challenges any human assumption that divine favor towards one group (Israel) nullifies God's prior arrangements with other peoples. This foresight by God to restrict Israel from seizing Edomite land demonstrates His ultimate plan to dispossess only the Canaanites who had filled the measure of their iniquity, thus aligning His commands with His broader attributes of justice and moral order, rather than arbitrary expansion. This teaching would later prove significant as Israel grappled with its relationship with Edom, indicating a foundational principle of God's governance over history and nations, even those outside His direct covenant with Abraham.

Deuteronomy 2 4 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:4 serves as a foundational teaching on God's universal sovereignty and the ethical conduct required of His covenant people. It highlights that while God has chosen Israel and granted them specific land, He is also the ultimate sovereign over all nations, determining their territories and existence. The command not to "meddle" or "provoke" the Edomites, despite their later hostilities, showcases a divine principle of non-aggression and respect for established boundaries, even towards non-covenant peoples. The phrase "brethren" serves as a moral appeal, reminding Israel of their familial ties, promoting peace over conflict where God has not explicitly commanded warfare. The denial of "not so much as a foot breadth" underscores the precision of God's land distribution and serves as a strict warning against covetousness or territorial ambition beyond divine allowance. It reminds Israel (and believers today) that our portion, whether material or spiritual, is sovereignly appointed by God, and we are not to usurp what belongs to others. This passage reinforces a profound theological point: God's justice extends universally, protecting the legitimate claims of all whom He has established, thereby precluding a self-serving or predatory interpretation of His favor.

For practical usage, this verse illustrates:

1. Respecting boundaries: God has ordained territories and possessions for individuals and nations; we are not to encroach upon them (e.g., in business, personal relationships, or national policy).
2. Self-restraint in power: When in a position of strength or advantage, restrain from exploiting others or taking what is not rightfully yours.
3. Contentment: Trust in God's provision for your own portion, rather than coveting or seizing what has been given to another.