“As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me; until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. This verse is part of Moses’ recapitulation of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, given as instructions to the new generation before they enter Canaan.
The Background:In this verse, Moses refers to the interactions between the children of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, and the Moabites, who dwelt in Ar, in relation to Israel’s journey. Moses is reminding the Israelites of the challenges they faced and the opposition they encountered while journeying through the wilderness.
Esau and the Edomites:The children of Esau, known as the Edomites, were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (later named Israel). Esau settled in the region of Seir, which was south of Israel’s intended path to Canaan. Initially, Moses sent messengers to request safe passage through Edom, as God commanded the Israelites not to provoke conflict with them (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). However, Edom refused, and the Israelites had to take a detour.
The Moabites and Ar:The Moabites were descendants of Lot, who was Abraham’s nephew. They dwelt in the region of Ar, which was also south of Israel’s intended path. Moses mentions the Moabites because they too refused to let Israel pass through their land (Deuteronomy 2:9). Therefore, the Israelites had to take a different route.
The Journey and God’s Plan:Moses reminds the Israelites of the obstacles they faced, but he also emphasizes that these challenges were part of God’s plan. God had promised to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites, and He guided them through the wilderness, despite the opposition from neighboring nations. The verse suggests that the difficulties faced by the children of Esau and the Moabites were temporary, lasting only until the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the land God had prepared for them.
- Obstacles and opposition are a part of life’s journey:Just as the Israelites faced challenges on their way to the Promised Land, we also encounter difficulties and opposition in our lives. However, we can trust in God’s guidance and provision, knowing that He is with us through every trial.
- God’s plans are unchanging:Despite the detours and obstacles, God’s ultimate plan for the Israelites remained unchanged. Similarly, God’s plans for our lives are unshakable. We can have confidence in His faithfulness and trust that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
- Patience and trust in God’s timing:The Israelites had to wait patiently for the right time to enter the Promised Land. Likewise, we may have to wait for God’s timing and trust that He knows what is best for us. It is essential to seek His guidance and be obedient, even when the journey seems long or difficult.
In summary, Deuteronomy 2:29 reminds us that the Israelites faced opposition from the children of Esau and the Moabites during their journey to the Promised Land. However, God remained faithful to His promises, guiding them and leading them to their destination. Likewise, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and provision as we navigate through the challenges of our own lives.
