Deuteronomy 2 6

Deuteronomy 2:6 kjv

Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

Deuteronomy 2:6 nkjv

You shall buy food from them with money, that you may eat; and you shall also buy water from them with money, that you may drink.

Deuteronomy 2:6 niv

You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.'?"

Deuteronomy 2:6 esv

You shall purchase food from them with money, that you may eat, and you shall also buy water from them with money, that you may drink.

Deuteronomy 2:6 nlt

If you need food to eat or water to drink, pay them for it.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 6 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:6 commands the Israelites to pay for any food and water they might need from the Edomites during their passage through their land. This was a direct instruction from God to Moses, ensuring a respectful and ethical approach towards a neighboring nation, particularly their kinsmen, the descendants of Esau. It underscored Israel's reliance on God's provision rather than forceful seizure, demonstrating divine respect for boundaries and property rights.

Deuteronomy 2 6 Context

This verse is part of Moses' recounting of Israel's journey in the wilderness before their entry into the Promised Land. He reminds the new generation of the forty years they spent wandering and God's faithfulness in providing for them. Specifically, Deuteronomy chapter 2 describes God's instructions concerning Israel's passage through the territories of their kin: the Edomites (descendants of Esau), the Moabites, and the Ammonites. The command to purchase food and water from the Edomites highlights God's sovereignty over all lands and His prior gift of Mount Seir to Esau, hence Israel was not to seize anything from them by force. This policy stood in stark contrast to typical ancient military practices where armies often plundered lands they traversed. It reinforced the distinct ethical standards of a nation under God's covenant.

Deuteronomy 2 6 Word analysis

• You shall purchase: (תִּשְׁבְּרוּ, tishberu). This Hebrew verb, derived from שָׁבַר (shavar), means "to buy food," specifically grains or provisions. It implies engaging in a transaction, not seizing by force. The imperative plural "you shall" emphasizes this as a clear, collective command from God to the Israelites.
• food: (אֹכֶל, okhel). This general term refers to any provisions or victuals necessary for sustenance. It includes grain, bread, or other foodstuffs.
• from them: (מֵאִתָּם, me’ittem). Refers to the Edomites, indicating a direct transaction with the local inhabitants rather than plundering their land.
• with money: (בַּכֶּסֶף, bakkeseph). Literally "with silver." Silver was a common medium of exchange and currency in the ancient Near East. This explicitly dictates a commercial exchange, validating the Edomites' ownership and livelihood. It implies a just transaction where value is exchanged for goods.
• that you may eat: (וַאֲכַלְתֶּם, va’akhaltem). This clarifies the purpose: to sustain themselves, highlighting that God’s command still required them to utilize means of sustenance available, albeit through proper channels.
• and you shall also acquire: (וְגַם־מַיִם תִּכְרוּ, vegam-mayim tikhru). The verb תִּכְרוּ (tikhru) is from כָּרָה (karah), which can mean "to dig," but also "to trade" or "to buy." Here, in context with "money," it means to procure or buy, emphasizing obtaining by exchange rather than drawing freely or forcibly.
• water: (מַיִם, mayim). Essential for survival in the desert, this highlights that even the most basic necessities were to be acquired justly.
• from them for money: (מֵאִתָּם בַּכֶּסֶף, me’ittem bakkeseph). Reinforces the earlier instruction regarding food, applying the same principle of legitimate transaction to water.
• that you may drink: (וְשָׁתִיתֶם, veshatitem). Similar to "that you may eat," this states the basic purpose of the acquisition.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "You shall purchase food from them with money": This phrase highlights God's specific command for a respectful and just transaction. It contrasts with typical military actions of conquest and pillaging. Despite being in a wilderness and potentially facing scarcity, Israel was to demonstrate ethical conduct towards another nation. It emphasizes reliance on commerce rather than force.
• "that you may eat; and you shall also acquire water from them for money, that you may drink": This section extends the principle of fair dealing to another vital necessity: water. The parallelism reinforces the consistent demand for ethical acquisition of all provisions. It speaks to the practical provision God ensured for His people through means that honored His established order and the property rights of others. The implication is that God had already supplied them sufficiently (as noted in Deut 2:7) to be able to afford these purchases.

Deuteronomy 2 6 Bonus section

The command in Deut 2:6 illustrates that God's plan for Israel to possess the land did not permit indiscriminate conquest or lawless behavior towards all peoples. Specific boundaries were divinely appointed for Edom, Moab, and Ammon, nations with kinship ties to Israel. This differentiates God's chosen people from ordinary pagan empires who expanded through unbridled aggression. This verse sets a precedent for ethical interaction, showing that even amidst a wilderness journey, God's people are called to uphold righteousness in all their dealings, even with those who might later prove hostile. It underscores the concept of "brotherhood" in terms of shared ancestry, despite later historical conflicts between Israel and Edom. This command highlighted that the acquisition of provisions was not merely a logistical matter but an ethical and spiritual act, reflecting Israel's identity as a nation led by the Almighty.

Deuteronomy 2 6 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:6 encapsulates several profound theological and practical lessons for Israel, and subsequently, for believers. Firstly, it showcases God's absolute sovereignty, not just over Israel, but over all nations and their lands, having designated territories even for descendants of Esau. Secondly, it stresses divine provision; because God had already blessed Israel immensely and ensured their needs were met (Deut 2:7), they had no justifiable need to resort to theft or forceful appropriation. This demonstrates that reliance on God means acting justly and honourably. Thirdly, the command underscores the principle of just dealings and respect for property, even with non-covenant people and particularly kinsmen, laying foundational ethics for commerce and international relations. It serves as an example of how a holy nation should conduct itself among other nations, distinct from the common practices of the time which often involved taking by might.