Deuteronomy 2:12
The Horites also lived in Seir formerly, but the people of Esau dispossessed them and destroyed them from before them and settled in their place, as Israel did to the land of their possession, which the LORD gave to them.)
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Esau's people "destroyed them and settled in their place" – a direct parallel to Israel's own conquest. This isn't just a historical note; it's God showing that displacement and settlement are part of His plan for nations, and Israel is stepping into a pattern already established.
After being forbidden to pass through Moabite territory, Moses recounts how Esau's descendants, the Edomites, had previously displaced the Horites from Mount Seir. This historical precedent is presented to show that God’s people, Israel, would likewise dispossess the Canaanites from the land the LORD was giving them.
Ever wondered how nations rise and fall, and who gets to call a place 'home'? This verse shows us ancient precedents.
Deuteronomy 2:12 highlights a pattern of displacement and settlement that echoed throughout ancient history and would soon be replayed by Israel.
Displacement and Succession
The Horites were the original inhabitants of Seir. However, the descendants of Esau (who would become the Edomites) dispossessed them, driving them out and taking their place. This wasn't an isolated event; it was a historical reality that shaped the ancient Near East.
Israel's Echo
Moses draws a direct parallel between this historical event and Israel's own future: 'as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.' This comparison is crucial. It frames Israel's conquest not as a unique act of aggression, but as part of a larger, divinely ordained process.
It serves as both a precedent and a foretaste, assuring Israel that the land God promised them would, indeed, be theirs, just as Esau had taken Seir. This underscores that land ownership, in the biblical narrative, is often tied to God's sovereign will and promises, not just to military might.
The phrase 'which the LORD gave unto them' is used here for a people (Esau) about to possess land, not yet fully in their grasp. What does this tell us about God's promises?
The verse states that Israel would possess 'the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.' This phrasing, referring to a future acquisition as if it were a completed past event, is a powerful prophetic device.
A Future Certainty
Biblical writers, particularly prophets, often spoke of future events in the past tense. This wasn't a mistake; it was a way to express the absolute certainty of God's promises. When God declares something, it is as good as done, even if the full realization is yet to come.
Faith in the Unseen
Understand the original words
yārash · Hebrew Verb
To drive out, dispossess, or take the place of another people, often through conquest or divine providence. In the context of Israel, this denotes the Lord giving land previously occupied by other nations to His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping Creator who reveals Himself to His people. He is the sovereign orchestrator of history, justice, and redemption.
This verse draws a parallel between the Edomites' displacement of the Horites and Israel's future conquest of Canaan. It highlights God's sovereign right to grant land to whomever He chooses, providing a theological justification for Israel's possession of the Promised Land, even as they were forbidden to take Edom's land.
c. 1750 BC
Chedorlaomer's Campaign
The Horites are mentioned as inhabitants of Mount Seir who were conquered by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies during an early military campaign.
c. 1450 BC
Esau Settles in Seir
Esau, having left Canaan due to famine and conflict with his brother Jacob, moves his family and flocks to Mount Seir, displacing the native Horites.
c. 1450 BC— this verse
Esau's Descendants Rule Seir
The descendants of Esau, the Edomites, eventually establish their own kingdom in the land of Seir, having either intermarried with or completely dispossessed the Horites.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Encamp at Kadesh-Barnea
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites spend a significant period near Kadesh-Barnea, on the border of Edom, from where they send spies into the Promised Land.
This passage mentions the Horites (or Horims) being in the land of Seir even before Chedorlaomer's time, showing they were an ancient people inhabiting the region.
Genesis 36:8This verse directly states that Esau settled in Mount Seir and identifies the descendants of Esau with the Edomites, aligning with the displacement of the Horites mentioned in Deuteronomy.
Joshua 24:11-13This passage recounts how the Israelites, through God's help, conquered lands and took possession of cities and fields not their own, drawing a parallel to Esau's and Israel's acquisitions of land.
Romans 9:11-13This New Testament passage discusses God's sovereign choice in choosing Jacob over Esau, highlighting that God's purposes for nations and individuals are not based on merit but on His will, which echoes the divine decree in land distribution.
gillDeuteronomy 2:12: "The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them."
The Horims also dwelt in Seir before time,.... Which is the name of a mount, and so of the country, from it; so called from Seir the Horite, who dwelt in it before it was possessed by Esau and his sons; but who the Horim or Horites were, from wh…
clarkeDeuteronomy 2:12: "The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them."
The Horims also dwelt in Seir - The whole of this verse was probably added by Joshua or Ezra.
The verse highlights that Esau's people "destroyed them and settled in their place" – a direct parallel to Israel's own conquest. This isn't just a historical note; it's God showing that displacement and settlement are part of His plan for nations, and Israel is stepping into a pattern already established.
After being forbidden to pass through Moabite territory, Moses recounts how Esau's descendants, the Edomites, had previously displaced the Horites from Mount Seir. This historical precedent is presented to show that God’s people, Israel, would likewise dispossess the Canaanites from the land the LORD was giving them.
After being forbidden to pass through Moabite territory, Moses recounts how Esau's descendants, the Edomites, had previously displaced the Horites from Mount Seir. This historical precedent is presented to show that God’s people, Israel, would likewise dispossess the Canaanites from the land the LORD was giving them.
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For Israel, standing on the brink of conquest after 40 years of wandering, this language would have been deeply encouraging. It meant that their inheritance in Canaan wasn't dependent on their strength alone, but on God's faithfulness. The land was already 'given' in God's decree and plan.
This concept is vital for understanding faith. It’s trusting in God’s promises for things not yet seen, knowing that His Word is solid ground. Just as Esau's possession of Seir was framed as something God 'gave,' so too would Canaan be Israel's.
c. 1360 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
While seeking passage through Edom and Moab, the Israelites are denied entry and instead conquer the Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og to the east of the Jordan River.
"The Horites also lived in Seir formerly, but the people of Esau dispossessed them and destroyed them from before them and settled in their place, as Israel did to the land of their possession, which the LORD gave to them.)" — The verse highlights that Esau's people "destroyed them and settled in their place" – a direct parallel to Israel's own conquest. This isn't just a historical note; it's God showing that displacement…
