Breakdown of Deuteronomy 2:8

"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." — Here, Israel is deliberately choosing a longer, more difficult route, turning away from a direct path. This detour underscores their commitment to obeying God's command to avoid conflict with their r…

Deuteronomy 2:8 Meaning Explained

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Deuteronomy 2:8

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)

Here, Israel is deliberately choosing a longer, more difficult route, turning away from a direct path. This detour underscores their commitment to obeying God's command to avoid conflict with their relatives, the descendants of Esau, even when it meant more hardship for themselves.

What Deuteronomy 2:8 means

After being denied passage by the Edomites, Israel had to take a detour. They traveled south along the edge of Edom's territory, near the Red Sea ports of Elath and Ezion-geber, before turning north again. This circuitous route brought them to the border of Moab's wilderness.

Respecting Borders, Following God

Ever felt like you were taking the long way around to get where God wants you to go? The Israelites did, and it teaches us something vital about obedience.

In Deuteronomy 2:8, the Israelites deliberately 'passed by' their relatives, the descendants of Esau, who lived in Edom. This wasn't just a geographical detour; it was a command from God.

A Divine Directive

God had explicitly told them, 'You are to pass through the territory of your brothers, the sons of Esau... Do not stir up trouble with them, nor take any of their land, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession' (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). This highlights a crucial principle: God's plan sometimes involves respecting the boundaries and possessions of others, even when it seems inconvenient or lengthens the journey.

The 'Why' Behind the Winding Road

This obedience wasn't about appeasing Esau; it was about honoring God's word. The detour from the direct route, going south to the Red Sea ports of Elath and Ezion-geber before turning north towards Moab, was a testament to their submission. It demonstrated that their ultimate allegiance was to God's commands, not their own desires or perceived rights. This journey underscores that faithfulness isn't always the quickest path, but the obedient one.

Elath and Ezion-geber: Ports of Purpose

The mention of Elath and Ezion-geber isn't just geographical trivia. These ancient ports mark a significant pivot point in Israel's journey of faith.

Deuteronomy 2:8 names two key locations, Elath and Ezion-geber, as points along the Israelites' revised route. These were not just dots on a map but significant ports on the Red Sea, located at the edge of Edom's territory.

Geographical Significance

Elath and Ezion-geber were vital coastal cities, gateways to trade and travel via the Red Sea. Their mention anchors the Israelites' journey in a real, tangible place. After being denied passage through the heart of Edom, the Israelites had to travel south, skirting Edom's borders all the way down to these southern ports before turning north again.

Historical context

Written: Likely around the 13th century BC, during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.
Author: Traditionally Moses, though some scholars suggest other sources compiled his work.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River.
Genre: Biblical Law and Narrative, featuring direct commands and historical recounting.

Historical background

This passage highlights a critical juncture in the Israelites' journey, emphasizing God's guidance and protection as they navigated complex political landscapes and divine commands to bypass, rather than conquer, the lands of their relatives, Edom and Moab.

~1400 BC
Israelites Depart from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, are freed from Egypt and begin their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 13th Century BC— this verse
Israelites Reach Edom's Border
The Israelites arrive at the border of Edom, the land of Esau's descendants. They seek permission to pass through peacefully, but are refused, forcing them to detour.
c. 13th Century BC
Israelites Bypass Edom
Following the refusal, the Israelites travel south along the eastern edge of Edom, passing by the Red Sea ports of Elath and Ezion-geber, before turning north toward Moab.
c. 13th Century BC
Israelites Enter Moabite Territory
Having skirted Edom, the Israelites then travel along the eastern border of Moab, eventually engaging with Sihon, the Amorite king who had conquered much of Moab's land.

Key themes

01God's directed detour
02Respecting brother nations
03Testing divine guidance
04Journey through wilderness

Cross-references

Numbers 21:10-13

This passage describes the Israelites' journey after leaving Edom, marking their encampment by the Zered and their subsequent move towards the wilderness of Moab, directly following the route mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:8.

Judges 11:17-18

Here, the Israelites are described as petitioning Edom and Moab for passage, being refused by both, which explains why they had to 'pass by' Edom and detour through the wilderness of Moab.

Genesis 27:39-40

This passage highlights the foundational relationship between Jacob (Israel) and Esau, explaining the 'brothers' mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:8 and the underlying tension and separation between their descendants.

Jeremiah 49:14-16

This prophecy against Edom mirrors the historical narrative of their pride and self-reliance, paralleling Israel's need to bypass them and echoing the divine judgment that would eventually fall upon Edom.

Scholarly commentary

Deuteronomy 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.
wesley

Deuteronomy 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…
gill

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Historical context

Written: Likely around the 13th century BC, during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.
Author: Traditionally Moses, though some scholars suggest other sources compiled his work.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River.
Genre: Biblical Law and Narrative, featuring direct commands and historical recounting.

Historical background

~1400 BC

Israelites Depart from Egypt

After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, are freed from Egypt and begin their journey towards the Promised Land.

c. 13th Century BC— this verse

Israelites Reach Edom's Border

The Israelites arrive at the border of Edom, the land of Esau's descendants. They seek permission to pass through peacefully, but are refused, forcing them to detour.

c. 13th Century BC

Israelites Bypass Edom

Following the refusal, the Israelites travel south along the eastern edge of Edom, passing by the Red Sea ports of Elath and Ezion-geber, before turning north toward Moab.

c. 13th Century BC

Israelites Enter Moabite Territory

Having skirted Edom, the Israelites then travel along the eastern border of Moab, eventually engaging with Sihon, the Amorite king who had conquered much of Moab's land.

Scholarly commentary

Deuteronomy 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.
wesley

Deuteronomy 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…
gill

Frequently asked questions

What does Deuteronomy 2:8 mean?

Explain the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:8

What is the context of Deuteronomy 2:8?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does the original Hebrew reveal about Deuteronomy 2:8?”
“Why did Traditionally Moses, though some scholars suggest other sources compiled his work. write Deuteronomy 2:8?”
“How does god's directed detour show up in Deuteronomy 2:8?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Deuteronomy 2:8 is available in the Sola app.

What Deuteronomy 2:8 means

Respecting Borders, Following God

Elath and Ezion-geber: Ports of Purpose

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

What Deuteronomy 2:8 means

Respecting Borders, Following God

Elath and Ezion-geber: Ports of Purpose

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

The Wilderness of Moab: A New Beginning