Deuteronomy 2:5
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
God's emphatic "no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on" isn't just about land size, but reveals that even the smallest claim would be an act of rebellion against His sovereign decree. He had already established Esau's family line and granted them Mount Seir as their rightful inheritance.
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)
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses is relaying God's instructions for their journey, specifically concerning their kinsmen, the descendants of Esau. After their request to pass peacefully through Edom was denied, God now commands them not to provoke or fight the Edomites, emphasizing that they will not receive any of their land, as it has already been given to Esau's descendants. The journey will instead turn towards the wilderness of Moab.
When God has a plan for a people, it's not usually achieved through outright conflict. This verse reveals a surprising principle about how God distributes land and blessings.
The Israelites are told to not contend with the Edomites. The reason? God declares, 'I have given Mount Seir to Esau for a possession.' This isn't about military strength or who can take what by force. It's about God's sovereign will and His allocation of territory. Even though the Israelites are on a divinely ordained journey, they are not to forcibly take land that God has already designated as an inheritance for another people, Esau's descendants.
This establishes a crucial boundary. God's promises and plans are not a free-for-all. He has specific purposes and assigned territories. While Israel's ultimate inheritance is Canaan, their path is not to be paved with the plunder of their relatives, the Edomites. They are to respect the divine allocation, even if it means a longer, more circuitous route.
God's 'no' can be absolute, even down to the smallest measure. What does this seemingly insignificant detail teach us about obedience?
The verse powerfully emphasizes the totality of God's prohibition: 'not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on.' This isn't just a general warning; it’s a precise boundary.
It means not even a single step, not a temporary encampment, not a minuscule claim was permitted on Edomite land. This tiny measure underscores the absolute nature of God's command. It calls for complete self-restraint and trust in His plan, even when it seems inconvenient or unnecessarily complex.
Ask a follow-up
God's instructions are often detailed and specific. Obedience isn't just about the big decisions; it’s about honoring His boundaries in every aspect, no matter how small they may seem. The 'sole of the foot' becomes a symbol of total respect for God's given territories and His divine order.
Understand the original words
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 verse highlights that God's dealings with nations are sovereign and pre-ordained, even when it involves granting land to people like Esau before Israel even entered their own promised inheritance. It emphasizes obedience and respect for existing boundaries, even when Israel's own future conquest is divinely ordained.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after 400 years of slavery, were led out of Egypt by Moses, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years as a consequence of their disobedience, during which time the older generation died off.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Command to Pass Through Edom
The Israelites, now led by Joshua after Moses' death, approach the borders of Edom and are commanded by God to pass through peacefully without fighting.
c. 1406 BC
Edom's Refusal to Allow Passage
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, refused the Israelites passage through their land, forcing the Israelites to take a long detour around Moab.
c. 13th century BC
Israelite Conquest of Canaan
Following their 40 years in the wilderness and the detour around Edom, the Israelites, under Joshua, entered and began conquering the Promised Land.
c. 1000 BC
David's Subjugation of Edom
King David militarily defeated the Edomites and established Israelite control over their territory, though they were not dispossessed of their homeland.
c. 850s BC
Edom Regains Independence
During the divided kingdom, Edom successfully revolted against Judah and re-established its independence.
This passage records how Esau, also called Edom, settled in the hill country of Seir, directly supporting the divine claim of ownership mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:5.
Numbers 20:14-21This earlier account shows the Israelites asking permission to pass through Edom's territory, and Edom's refusal, which echoes the prohibition in Deuteronomy 2:5 and highlights God's instruction to avoid conflict.
Obadiah 1:10-14This prophetic oracle against Edom shows a future consequence for their actions against Israel, including hostility and pride, contrasting with God's present command for peaceful passage and respecting Edom's possession.
Romans 12:17-18This New Testament passage provides a parallel principle, urging believers to 'live peaceably with all' and not to 'take vengeance,' reinforcing the spirit of avoiding unnecessary conflict even when provoked.
gillDeuteronomy 2:5: "Meddle not with them; 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."
Contend not with them in battle, nor provoke them to it: for I will not give you of their land, no not so much as a foot breadth; or as the sole of a man's foot can tread on, signifying that they should not have the least part of it, not any at all. Jarchi makes mention of an exposition of theirs, that he would give them n…
ellicottDeuteronomy 2:5: "Meddle not with them; 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."
(5) I have given mount Seir unto Esau —It is worthy of notice that the development of Ishmael preceded that of Isaac, and the inheritance of Esau was won earlier than that of Jacob. (Comp. Genesis 25:16 with Genesis 35:23-26 , and Genesis 36:31 with Genesis 37:1 .) Isaac and Israel were still strangers and sojourners, whil…
God's emphatic "no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on" isn't just about land size, but reveals that even the smallest claim would be an act of rebellion against His sovereign decree. He had already established Esau's family line and granted them Mount Seir as their rightful inheritance.
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses is relaying God's instructions for their journey, specifically concerning their kinsmen, the descendants of Esau. After their request to pass peacefully through Edom was denied, God now commands them not to provoke or fight the Edomites, emphasizing that they will not receive any of their land, as it has already been given to Esau's descendants. The journey will instead turn towards the wilderness of Moab.
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses is relaying God's instructions for their journey, specifically concerning their kinsmen, the descendants of Esau. After their request to pass peacefully through Edom was denied, God now commands them not to provoke or fight the Edomites, emphasizing that they will not receive any of their land, as it has already been given to Esau's descendants. The journey will instead turn towards the wilderness of Moab.
"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." — God's emphatic "no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on" isn't just about land size, but reveals that even the smallest claim would be an act of rebellion against His sovereign decree…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
