“And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, which consists of the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. Deuteronomy means “second law” or “repetition of the law,” as Moses recapitulates the laws and instructions previously given to the Israelites. This verse is part of Moses’ account of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, as they approach the Promised Land.
Moabites and the Children of Lot:The Moabites were descendants of Moab, who was born to Lot, Abraham’s nephew, through an incestuous relationship with his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:30-38). Therefore, they were closely related to the Israelites through Abraham. The Moabites inhabited the region east of the Dead Sea, with their capital city known as Ar or Rabbah.
God’s Instruction:In this verse, the Lord commanded Moses not to distress or contend with the Moabites in battle. The reason behind this command is that God had already given the land of Ar, which belonged to the Moabites, to the children of Lot as their possession. God had a specific plan and inheritance for the Israelites, and the land of the Moabites was not part of it.
Lessons for us:
- Respect for boundaries:God instructed the Israelites not to encroach upon the land belonging to the Moabites. This demonstrates the importance of respecting the boundaries and possessions of others. As believers, we are called to live in peace with others and respect their rights and territories.
- God’s sovereignty and provision:This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people. God had a specific plan for the Israelites, and He provided them with their own inheritance. It reminds us that God has a unique purpose and plan for each of us, and we can trust in His provision and guidance.
- Understanding God’s purposes:God had given Ar as a possession to the children of Lot, who were relatives of the Israelites. This reveals God’s wisdom and intention to bless Lot’s descendants as well. Sometimes, God’s plans may involve blessing others who are connected to us, even if they are not part of the chosen people or the immediate beneficiaries.
- Avoiding unnecessary conflicts:God’s instruction to avoid contention with the Moabites teaches us the importance of choosing our battles wisely. We should seek peace whenever possible and avoid unnecessary conflicts. This principle applies to our relationships with others, reminding us to be peacemakers rather than troublemakers.
In summary, Deuteronomy 2:9 emphasises respecting boundaries, recognising God’s sovereignty, understanding His purposes, and promoting peace. It teaches us valuable lessons about our interactions with others and encourages us to trust in God’s provision and follow His guidance in our lives.
