Deuteronomy 2:17-19
the LORD said to me, ‘Today you are to cross the border of Moab at Ar. And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot for a possession.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Here, Moses notes that the LORD spoke to him, personally. This isn't just a general decree, but a direct, intimate communication that underscores Moses' unique role as God's intermediary for Israel. It highlights the personal relationship God had with his servant, even amidst vast historical movements.
After years wandering the desert, Israel finally begins to move again, passing by the land of Edom and now being instructed by God to skirt around the territory of Moab. God emphasizes that they are not to disturb or fight the Moabites because that land was given to them, just as God had given Edom's land to Esau.
Have you ever felt a clear nudge from God, a direction that couldn't be mistaken? Moses experienced this profoundly, receiving direct instructions from the Almighty.
In Deuteronomy 2:17, the text simply states, 'the LORD said to me.' This isn't a vague impression or a spiritual whisper; it's a direct communication.
A Spoken Word
This indicates a clear and authoritative command given by God to Moses. It wasn't a suggestion or a possibility, but a definite word from the LORD.
Setting the Stage
This direct address immediately precedes instructions about how Israel was to interact with the surrounding nations like Moab and Ammon. It underscores that God's guidance for His people's actions, even in sensitive geopolitical situations, comes through His clear word.
The land Israel was entering was already occupied. How should they treat those already living there? God’s directives were precise, ensuring His people wouldn't tread where they shouldn't.
The verses following Deuteronomy 2:17 reveal God's careful stewardship of the land and His instructions for Israel's movement.
Respecting Divine Allotments
God explicitly told Moses not to distress or contend with the Moabites or Ammonites, explaining that their lands had already been given to them as a possession (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19). This highlights that God, as the sovereign owner of all land, assigns boundaries and territories to different peoples.
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Even though these nations were not Israel's ancestors, God had a plan and a decree for their existence and their land. This demonstrates God's overarching control not just over Israel, but over all the nations of the earth. He directs their paths and establishes their borders.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A personal name for God (YHWH) in the Hebrew Bible, representing His holiness, sovereignty, covenantal faithfulness, and His identity as the self-existent One who reveals Himself to His people.
gebul · Hebrew Noun
An area of land marking the outer limit of a territory, whether of a city, a tribe, or a nation, often established by divine decree or historical agreement. In a theological sense, it often highlights God's sovereignty over the nations and the limits He sets for His people.
tsur · Hebrew Verb
To disturb, provoke, or stir up conflict with another party. The Bible frequently uses this to refer to hostile treatment, oppression, or unnecessary aggression against others.
garah · Hebrew Verb
This divine instruction to bypass Moab and Ammon, even though they were descendants of Lot (Abraham's nephew), underscores God's sovereign right to distribute lands and His desire to test Israel's obedience and kindness towards relatives, even those living on land previously conquered by giants.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Wanders in Wilderness
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert due to their disobedience. This period led to the death of the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1360 BC
Israelites Cross Zered Brook
After the 38 years of wandering, the Israelites finally crossed the Zered Brook, marking their renewed progress towards the borders of Canaan.
c. 1360 BC— this verse
Divine Instruction Regarding Moab
The LORD instructs Moses not to provoke or attack the Moabites, as their land, though previously inhabited by giants, had been given to the descendants of Lot.
c. 1360 BC
Divine Instruction Regarding Ammon
Similarly, Moses is forbidden from disturbing the Ammonites, whose land was also given by God to the descendants of Lot.
This foundational passage in God's covenant with Abraham establishes the theme of God granting land and blessing to a chosen people, paralleling God's directives to Moses concerning the inheritance of the Israelites and related peoples.
Exodus 33:12-16Moses directly appeals to God's intimate knowledge of him and the need for God's presence to guide and distinguish Israel, resonating with the personal communication from God in Deuteronomy 2:17.
Numbers 21:11-13This passage describes Israel's journey and encampment in Moab, directly before crossing the Arnon, aligning with the geographical and directional context established by God's word to Moses in Deuteronomy 2.
Joshua 13:8-12This chapter details the territories assigned to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which are lands previously inhabited by the Amorites and bordering Moab, directly reflecting the land grants and boundaries established by God in Deuteronomy 2.
gillDeuteronomy 2:17: "That the LORD spake unto me, saying,"
That the Lord spoke unto me,.... At the brook Zered, having passed that, or at Dibongad, which was their next station: saying; as follows.
calvinDeuteronomy 2:9-23: "And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession."
And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.
Et dixit mihi Jehova, Ne oppugnes Moab,…
Here, Moses notes that the LORD spoke to him, personally. This isn't just a general decree, but a direct, intimate communication that underscores Moses' unique role as God's intermediary for Israel. It highlights the personal relationship God had with his servant, even amidst vast historical movements.
After years wandering the desert, Israel finally begins to move again, passing by the land of Edom and now being instructed by God to skirt around the territory of Moab. God emphasizes that they are not to disturb or fight the Moabites because that land was given to them, just as God had given Edom's land to Esau.
After years wandering the desert, Israel finally begins to move again, passing by the land of Edom and now being instructed by God to skirt around the territory of Moab. God emphasizes that they are not to disturb or fight the Moabites because that land was given to them, just as God had given Edom's land to Esau.
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To dispute, struggle, or enter into a legal or military conflict. It often implies a process of challenging someone's rights or authority, either in a court of law or on a battlefield.
achuzzah · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Old Testament, this refers to land inherited, held, or occupied as a permanent right, often given by God. It signifies God’s sovereign control over geography and His provision for various peoples, including those outside the covenantal line of Israel.
ben · Hebrew Noun
A designation for descendants, but also frequently used in the Bible to describe groups identified by their ancestor (e.g., "sons of Israel," "sons of Eli"). It links the identity and inheritance of the descendants directly to the patriarch.
c. 1360 BC
Ancient Inhabitants Displaced
The text notes that both Moabite and Ammonite lands were formerly occupied by giants (Emim and Zamzummim), who were driven out by God's intervention to make way for the descendants of Lot and Esau.
c. 1360 BC
Caphtorim Conquer Avim
The passage also references an even older event: the Caphtorim displacing the Avim from their land near Gaza, highlighting the cyclical nature of possession and displacement.
"the LORD said to me, ‘Today you are to cross the border of Moab at Ar. And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a…" — Here, Moses notes that the LORD spoke to him, personally. This isn't just a general decree, but a direct, intimate communication that underscores Moses' unique role as God's intermediary for Israel…
