Deuteronomy 2:8-9
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This verse highlights a subtle, yet crucial, obedience: the Israelites weren't just avoiding a conflict, they were actively rerouting "away from" their brothers and their established ports. This demonstrates a deliberate choice to bypass any potential friction, even when a more direct path was geographically available.
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. And the LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass Moab or contend with them in battle, for I will not give you any of their land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the people of Lot for a possession.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being refused passage by the descendants of Esau (Edom), the Israelites turned south and skirted the Edomite territory along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber. This detour meant leaving their direct route and heading east into the wilderness region bordering Moab, setting the stage for their eventual encounter with Sihon, the Amorite king.
Imagine being told you can't walk through a neighbor's yard, even though it's the most direct route. The Israelites faced a similar situation, but with divine instructions.
God explicitly commanded Israel to avoid conflict with the descendants of Esau (Edomites) and Lot (Moabites).
A Clear Boundary
God told Moses, "You are to pass through the territory of your brothers, the sons of Esau, who live in Seir... Do not stir up trouble with them, nor attack them, for I will not give you any of their territory, not even enough to rest a foot on, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession."
Why the Restriction?
This wasn't about Israel's weakness, but God's sovereign decision. He had granted the land of Seir to Esau, just as He had promised it to Abraham's descendants. Respecting these boundaries demonstrated obedience and trust in God's plan and timing. It showed that Israel's conquest of Canaan was for a specific, divinely appointed reason, not simply a land grab.
A Lesson in Patience
This encounter highlights the importance of patience and discerning God's will, even when a path seems blocked or inconvenient. It's a reminder that not every obstacle is meant to be forcefully overcome, but sometimes navigated around with faith.
Sometimes, the longest way around is the only way forward. The Israelites' journey took them down a less direct path, and there's profound meaning in that.
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The route described—south to Elath and Ezion-geber on the Red Sea, then turning north towards Moab—was a significant detour.
From Direct to Deliberate
Instead of a straightforward path through Edom's territory, Israel had to travel along the southeastern edge of Edom, reaching the Gulf of Aqaba before turning back north. This longer route, hugging the borders of lands not granted to them, wasn't an accident.
Underscoring Divine Providence
This detour served to underscore God's guiding hand throughout their journey. Despite the apparent inconvenience, God ensured they had what they needed (Deuteronomy 8:4) and protected them during these forty years. The ports of Elath and Ezion-geber, though bordering Edom, were locations from which Israel could potentially gain supplies if needed (and were commanded not to fight for them).
Preparing for the Promised Land
Every turn, every delay, and every detour was part of God's process. It built endurance, tested faith, and prepared them for the challenges ahead. This extended journey wasn't wasted time; it was essential training.
Understand the original words
tsur · Hebrew Verb
To provoke, stress, or afflict someone in a way that causes distress or antagonism. In this context, it refers to the prohibition against initiating conflict or hostile encroachment against a neighboring people.
gārāh · Hebrew Verb
To engage in strife, legal dispute, or physical combat against someone. It implies an active, confrontational effort to defeat or displace an opponent.
yerushshah · Hebrew Noun
An inherited holding, territory, or domain given by divine grant. It represents a secure place granted by God for a people to dwell and establish their legacy.
This route taken by Israel highlights their obedience to God's command not to fight their relatives, the descendants of Esau. It shows God's providential care in guiding them around obstacles and providing for them, even when a direct path was blocked.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Wander in Wilderness
After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, a period marked by divine guidance and testing. This journey set the stage for their later entry into the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Edomites Refuse Passage
The Israelites, seeking to enter the Promised Land, requested safe passage through Edomite territory. Edom refused, forcing Israel to detour.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israelites Detour Around Edom
Following Edom's refusal, the Israelites adjusted their route, traveling south along the Red Sea coast past Elath and Ezion-geber before turning north.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter Moabite Territory
After bypassing Edom, the Israelites journeyed along the eastern edge of Moab's territory, eventually encountering Sihon, king of the Amorites.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
Israel defeated Sihon and Og, Amorite kings who controlled lands east of the Jordan River, which were then given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
This passage describes the Israelites' request to pass through Edom, which was denied, mirroring the decision in Deuteronomy 2:8 to go around their territory. It highlights the ongoing tension and avoidance of conflict with their 'brothers' descended from Esau.
Judges 11:15-17This passage recounts Israel's journey through Edom and Moab, emphasizing their avoidance of conflict and their skirting of these lands. It reinforces the route taken in Deuteronomy 2, showing it was a pattern of seeking passage without aggression.
Jeremiah 49:7-11This prophecy addresses Edom, condemning their pride and lack of compassion towards Israel, even as Israel sought peaceful passage. It sheds light on the spiritual context and consequences of Edom's actions (or lack thereof) in relation to God's people.
Romans 12:18This New Testament verse calls believers to live at peace with all people, 'if possible, so far as it depends on you.' This echoes the Israelites' commanded approach to Edom and Moab, seeking peaceful passage and avoiding unnecessary conflict, demonstrating a principle of relational harmony.
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…
This verse highlights a subtle, yet crucial, obedience: the Israelites weren't just avoiding a conflict, they were actively rerouting "away from" their brothers and their established ports. This demonstrates a deliberate choice to bypass any potential friction, even when a more direct path was geographically available.
After being refused passage by the descendants of Esau (Edom), the Israelites turned south and skirted the Edomite territory along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber. This detour meant leaving their direct route and heading east into the wilderness region bordering Moab, setting the stage for their eventual encounter with Sihon, the Amorite king.
After being refused passage by the descendants of Esau (Edom), the Israelites turned south and skirted the Edomite territory along the Red Sea coast near Elath and Ezion-geber. This detour meant leaving their direct route and heading east into the wilderness region bordering Moab, setting the stage for their eventual encounter with Sihon, the Amorite king.
"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. And the LORD said to me, ‘Do not hara…" — This verse highlights a subtle, yet crucial, obedience: the Israelites weren't just avoiding a conflict, they were actively rerouting "away from" their brothers and their established ports. This demo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
