Deuteronomy 2:5
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)
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This verse highlights that God's giving of land wasn't just about the Israelites' inheritance, but also about honoring existing rights, like those of Esau in Mount Seir. It underscores that God's plan involves respecting established possessions, even for those who aren't His chosen people.
The Israelites are on the move, navigating the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, and must pass through the territory of their relatives, the Edomites (descendants of Esau). God explicitly commands Moses to tell the people not to provoke or fight with them, emphasizing that none of Edom's land will be given to Israel, as it is already designated as Esau's inheritance. Instead, they are instructed to buy necessary provisions like food and water from the Edomites.
Why does God draw lines on the map and assign territories to nations? This verse reveals a divine perspective on land ownership that transcends human claims.
In Deuteronomy 2:5, God instructs the Israelites not to fight with the Edomites over Mount Seir. The reason is clear: God Himself had given Mount Seir to Esau as his inheritance.
This highlights a crucial theological truth: God is sovereign over all the earth and all its peoples. He establishes nations and assigns their territories according to His purposes. While the Israelites had their own God-given inheritance in Canaan, they were not to covet or seize the land God had already designated for Esau's descendants.
This divine decree wasn't about favoritism but about God's order. It's a reminder that even in a fallen world with shifting borders and conflicts, God's ultimate plan and His sovereign rights over all land and nations are in effect.
Imagine being told you can't even step on a tiny piece of land. What does this absolute prohibition reveal about God's intentions?
The command, 'I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on,' is incredibly emphatic. It's not just a suggestion to avoid conflict; it's an absolute boundary.
This phrasing, 'not even a foot's breadth,' underscores the complete lack of claim the Israelites had on Edomite territory. It signals that their journey through Edom was to be a passage, not a conquest or settlement. They were to respect the divine line God had drawn.
This strictness teaches us about obedience and respecting boundaries. Just as God provided specific instructions for the Israelites regarding their journey, He has boundaries for us as well – boundaries that protect us and uphold His order. Disregarding even the smallest divine boundary can lead us astray.
The Israelites were told not to contend with their 'brethren,' the descendants of Esau. How does this familial connection intersect with God's sovereign rights?
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 God's sovereign hand in establishing nations and territories long before Israel's journey. It emphasizes that Israel's quest for the Promised Land was not about conquest for conquest's sake, but about possessing the land God had specifically allocated to them, respecting the rights of other peoples whom God had also established.
c. 1800 BC
Esau's Descendants Settle Mount Seir
Esau, Jacob's twin brother, settled in the mountainous region of Seir. His descendants, the Edomites, established their own kingdom and leadership structure, with dukes and kings ruling over the land.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Israelites Sojourn in Wilderness
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. This period was characterized by God's provision and testing, preparing them for entry into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israel Enters Edomite Territory
The Israelites, led by Moses, approached the border of Edom, seeking peaceful passage through their territory on their way to the Promised Land. This is the direct context of Deuteronomy 2:5.
c. 1406 BC
Edom Refuses Passage
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, refused to allow the Israelites to pass through their land, forcing Israel to take a longer, more difficult route around their territory. They mobilized a military force to prevent passage.
This passage explains the deep-seated animosity between Jacob and Esau, which foreshadows the ongoing tension between their descendants, making God's command to Israel to avoid conflict with Edom in Deuteronomy 2:5 particularly significant.
Numbers 20:14-21Here, the Edomites also refused Israel passage, showing a pattern of their hostility and reinforcing the principle that God's people must respect the boundaries and rights of others, even when facing hardship.
Obadiah 1:10-14This prophetic oracle against Edom highlights their pride and harshness, particularly their cruel actions towards their own kinsmen (Israel), which serves as a stark contrast to God's grace extended to them in Deuteronomy 2:5.
Romans 12:17-21Paul's teaching to 'live peaceably with all' and 'overcome evil with good' echoes the divine instruction in Deuteronomy 2:5, urging believers to avoid unnecessary conflict and to respond to antagonism with grace and love.
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…
This verse highlights that God's giving of land wasn't just about the Israelites' inheritance, but also about honoring existing rights, like those of Esau in Mount Seir. It underscores that God's plan involves respecting established possessions, even for those who aren't His chosen people.
The Israelites are on the move, navigating the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, and must pass through the territory of their relatives, the Edomites (descendants of Esau). God explicitly commands Moses to tell the people not to provoke or fight with them, emphasizing that none of Edom's land will be given to Israel, as it is already designated as Esau's inheritance. Instead, they are instructed to buy necessary provisions like food and water from the Edomites.
The Israelites are on the move, navigating the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, and must pass through the territory of their relatives, the Edomites (descendants of Esau). God explicitly commands Moses to tell the people not to provoke or fight with them, emphasizing that none of Edom's land will be given to Israel, as it is already designated as Esau's inheritance. Instead, they are instructed to buy necessary provisions like food and water from the Edomites.
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God identifies the Edomites as the 'children of Esau,' making them relatives to the Israelites through Abraham and Isaac. Despite past or potential future tensions, God's command to 'meddle not with them' and the reason 'because I have given Mount Seir to Esau' shows a delicate balance.
God acknowledges familial ties, referring to them as 'brethren.' However, His ultimate authority and sovereign rights supersede any human relationship. He granted Esau's line a specific inheritance, and the Israelites were not permitted to challenge God's grant, regardless of their kinship.
This teaches us that while we are called to love our neighbors and even our 'brethren' (which can extend to fellow believers), our primary allegiance is to God. His commands and His sovereignty are paramount. We must respect the rights and boundaries God has established, even when they involve those we are related to or feel some connection with.
c. 1000 BC
David Subdues Edom
The Kingdom of Israel, under King David, conquered Edom and established suzerainty over them. Edomite men served in the Israelite army, though the Edomites retained their identity.
c. 850 BC
Edom Regains Independence
During the divided kingdom period, Edom successfully revolted against Judah and re-established its independence, as recorded in the reign of King Jehoram of Judah.
"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." — This verse highlights that God's giving of land wasn't just about the Israelites' inheritance, but also about honoring existing rights, like those of Esau in Mount Seir. It underscores that God's pla…
