Deuteronomy 2:4-5
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. Do not contend with them, for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text highlights that the Israelites are about to traverse the territory of their "brothers," the people of Esau. This familial connection is emphasized precisely because God is simultaneously warning them to "be very careful," indicating a tension between kinship and the need for extreme caution.
Israel is on the brink of entering the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness, and Moses is relaying God's instructions for navigating the territories of their neighbors. This passage specifically addresses their passage near the land of their relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. God warns them that the Edomites will be afraid and commands Israel to be extremely cautious and not to provoke them.
Imagine walking towards a border, knowing the people there are afraid of you. How do you approach them?
God's people are about to enter a new phase of their journey, passing through the lands of their relatives, the descendants of Esau.
A Delicate Approach
This isn't just any territory; it belongs to Esau's line, the people of Edom. God reminds Israel that these relatives will be afraid. This fear isn't necessarily because Israel is inherently threatening, but perhaps due to Israel's sheer numbers and the potential for conflict.
This fear is a crucial piece of information. It calls for a specific kind of response: extreme caution and carefulness.
Fear can create tension. How does God instruct Israel to handle this volatile situation?
The core command here is "be very careful." This isn't a casual suggestion; it's a direct order from God.
More Than Just Caution
This carefulness has a dual focus:
This instruction highlights God's deep concern for justice and order, even between estranged relatives. It's about respecting boundaries and trusting God's plan for all His people.
Understand the original words
ach · Hebrew Noun
A term describing those belonging to the same family, clan, or nation; in Scripture, it emphasizes communal bonds and shared ancestry, frequently used to urge ethical treatment among kin.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of dread or terror, often in response to the power of God or His people; in this context, it refers to the reaction of nations when encountering the movement of the Israelites.
garah · Hebrew Verb
To engage in strife, legal battle, or armed conflict; it signifies aggressive opposition or fighting against others.
achuzzah · Hebrew Noun
A permanent holding, legacy, or inheritance given by God; it denotes land or property assigned to a specific group or person by divine decree.
This passage highlights a critical moment where the Israelites, after 40 years of wandering, must navigate their relationship with their relatives, the Edomites. The divine instruction emphasizes caution and respect, even when facing fear and potential hostility from their kin.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Mount Sinai
After nearly two years at Mount Sinai, the Israelites depart, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. This marks the start of their decades-long trek.
c. 1407 BC
Request to Pass Through Edom
The Israelites, nearing the end of their wilderness wandering, send messengers to the king of Edom (descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother) requesting permission to pass through their territory. They promise to stay on the king's highway and buy any provisions needed.
c. 1407 BC— this verse
Edom Refuses Passage
The king of Edom refuses Israel's request, gathering his people and preparing to fight if they attempt to pass through. This forces the Israelites to detour and avoid direct conflict.
c. 1407 BC
Israelites Bypass Edom
Following Edom's refusal, the Israelites turn away and travel by a more circuitous route, passing through the wilderness of Moab. This avoids confrontation and respects the divine command not to fight their relatives.
This passage, sung after crossing the Red Sea, explicitly mentions that the leaders of Edom (referred to as 'dukes') would be seized with terror at the approach of Israel, echoing the fear mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:4.
Numbers 20:14-21This narrative recounts Israel's request to pass through Edom's territory and Edom's forceful refusal, providing the direct historical context for the caution given in Deuteronomy 2:4.
Romans 12:18Paul's instruction to 'live peaceably with all' and, 'if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all,' resonates with the careful approach God commanded Israel to take with their 'brothers,' the Edomites, even when they were fearful.
Genesis 27:40-41This prophetic blessing on Esau by Isaac foretold that his descendants would serve their brother Jacob, and that his descendants would eventually break free. This underlying tension and dominance dynamic adds depth to why Esau's descendants would naturally fear Israel's approach.
gillDeuteronomy 2:4: "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:"
And command thou the people,.... Give them a strict charge: saying, ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children or Esau: not through the midst of their country, for that the king of Edom would not admit of, but by or on the border of it: and they shall…
ellicottDeuteronomy 2:4: "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:"
(4) Ye are to pass through the coast. —Literally, Ye are passing through the border. This was apparently said before the permission was asked, and in view of the request made for it ( Numbers 20:17 ). But Edom refused to let Israel pass through his coast or border ( Numbe…
The text highlights that the Israelites are about to traverse the territory of their "brothers," the people of Esau. This familial connection is emphasized precisely because God is simultaneously warning them to "be very careful," indicating a tension between kinship and the need for extreme caution.
Israel is on the brink of entering the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness, and Moses is relaying God's instructions for navigating the territories of their neighbors. This passage specifically addresses their passage near the land of their relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. God warns them that the Edomites will be afraid and commands Israel to be extremely cautious and not to provoke them.
Israel is on the brink of entering the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness, and Moses is relaying God's instructions for navigating the territories of their neighbors. This passage specifically addresses their passage near the land of their relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. God warns them that the Edomites will be afraid and commands Israel to be extremely cautious and not to provoke them.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 2:4-5 is available in the Sola app.
"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. Do not contend with them, for I will not give you any of their…" — The text highlights that the Israelites are about to traverse the territory of their "brothers," the people of Esau. This familial connection is emphasized precisely because God is simultaneously war…
