Deuteronomy 2:8
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The text highlights not just a turning, but a deliberate "passing by" from their "brothers, the people of Esau." This emphasizes a conscious decision to skirt around Edom, honoring a divine command to avoid conflict even with relatives, and instead proceeding along their border.
So we went on, away from our brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road from Elath and Ezion-geber. “And we turned and went in the direction of the wilderness of Moab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having been denied passage through Edom, Israel detours south along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber before turning north again. This lengthy detour takes them around Edom's territory and brings them to the edge of the wilderness of Moab, setting the stage for their encounters with Moab and Amorite kingdoms.
Imagine needing to pass through someone's land, but they say no. How do you respond when you have a divine assignment?
The Israelites were explicitly told not to engage with the descendants of Esau (Edomites) or their land.
A Divine Command
God's instructions were clear: 'You are to pass through the territory of your brothers, the people of Esau... Do not stir up trouble with them, and do not attack them, because I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put a foot on. I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession.' (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). This wasn't just a suggestion; it was a direct order.
The Reason Why
God had already given Mount Seir to Esau. While Esau and Jacob (Israel) were brothers, their paths had diverged. God's plan for Israel's inheritance was the land of Canaan, not the territory already designated for Esau. This shows God’s respect for established boundaries and His detailed plans for different peoples.
A Lesson in Restraint
Even when faced with potential hostility or refusal, Israel was to remain peaceful and non-confrontational. This was a vital lesson in obedience and self-control, preparing them for future challenges.
Sometimes the most direct path isn't the one God intends. What does it mean to follow a divinely appointed, albeit longer, route?
The journey described in Deuteronomy 2:8 wasn't just a geographical detour; it was a significant spiritual undertaking.
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A Deliberate Turn
The Israelites were not lost. They had come from the southern tip of the Red Sea near Elath and Ezion-geber, ports in Edom's territory. When they couldn't go directly through Edom, they made a conscious 'turn' towards the 'wilderness of Moab.' This route took them south, around the land of Edom, and then north again towards the Promised Land.
Forty Years of Experience
This wasn't a new situation for Israel. They had already spent 38 years wandering in the wilderness after their disobedience at Kadesh Barnea. God had been with them through it all. Deuteronomy 2:7 explicitly states, 'the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your journey through this vast wilderness. These last forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked anything.'
Trusting the Unseen Path
This detour through the wilderness of Moab underscores a profound truth: God's plans often involve paths that aren't immediately obvious or easy. The 'way of the wilderness' required immense trust in God's continued guidance and provision, just as the previous forty years had.
This passage highlights the Israelites' strategic and divinely-guided detour around Edom, emphasizing their obedience to God's command to avoid conflict with their relatives, even when it meant a longer, more arduous journey.
~1400 BC
Israelites Wander in Wilderness
After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience. This period shaped their identity and tested their faith.
c. 13th century BC
Edomites Settle in Seir
The descendants of Esau, known as Edomites, settled in the mountainous region of Seir. They established a kingdom and were generally hostile towards the Israelites.
c. 13th century BC
Moabites Settle East of Jordan
The descendants of Lot, known as Moabites, settled in the land east of the Jordan River, having displaced the native Emim people. They also established a kingdom.
c. 13th century BC— this verse
Israelites Denied Passage by Edom
Seeking to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites requested passage through Edom. The Edomites refused, forcing the Israelites to take a long, circuitous route.
c. 13th century BC
Israelites Travel South to Red Sea
Following Edom's refusal, the Israelites traveled south to the Gulf of Aqaba, passing by the Edomite ports of Elath and Ezion-geber. This route took them along the edge of the Edomite territory.
c. 13th century BC
Israelites Turn Towards Moab
After circumventing Edom, the Israelites turned northwards, traveling along the wilderness of Moab, preparing to seek passage through their territory.
This passage describes Israel's request to pass through Edom's territory and their refusal, paralleling the situation in Deuteronomy 2:8 where they skirt Edom's land without conflict.
Judges 11:17This verse mentions Israel's request to pass through Edom and Moab, and their subsequent refusal by Edom, highlighting the consistent diplomatic challenges faced by Israel in the region.
Jeremiah 49:20This prophetic passage speaks of judgment upon Edom, portraying them as weak and overcome, which provides a stark contrast to Israel's divinely guided journey and eventual conquest of promised lands.
Romans 9:13Quoting Malachi, this verse highlights God's foundational love for Jacob over Esau, underscoring the divine election that guided Israel's path, even as they bypassed their relative Esau's descendants.
wesleyDeuteronomy 2:8: "And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab."
2:8 We turned - From our direct road which lay through Edom.
gillDeuteronomy 2:8: "And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab."
And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Self,.... Along their coasts, by the borders of their country: through the way of the plain; the wilderness of Zin, where Kadesh was: from Elath and Eziongeber; the two ports on the shore of the Red…
The text highlights not just a turning, but a deliberate "passing by" from their "brothers, the people of Esau." This emphasizes a conscious decision to skirt around Edom, honoring a divine command to avoid conflict even with relatives, and instead proceeding along their border.
Having been denied passage through Edom, Israel detours south along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber before turning north again. This lengthy detour takes them around Edom's territory and brings them to the edge of the wilderness of Moab, setting the stage for their encounters with Moab and Amorite kingdoms.
Having been denied passage through Edom, Israel detours south along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber before turning north again. This lengthy detour takes them around Edom's territory and brings them to the edge of the wilderness of Moab, setting the stage for their encounters with Moab and Amorite kingdoms.
"So we went on, away from our brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road from Elath and Ezion-geber.
“And we turned and went in the direction of the wilderness of Moab." — The text highlights not just a turning, but a deliberate "passing by" from their "brothers, the people of Esau." This emphasizes a conscious decision to skirt around Edom, honoring a divine command t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
