As he did to the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them, and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead euen vnto this day. Deuteronomy 2:22 (KJV)
This verse is part of Moses’ address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In his farewell speech Moses recounts the events that occurred during the people’s journey from Egypt and repeatedly points to God’s faithfulness and guidance. In Deuteronomy 2:22 he refers to a specific encounter with the descendants of Esau who were living in the land of Seir. The Esauites are also called Edomites, named after Esau, the brother of Jacob, and they had occupied Seir prior to the arrival of Israel.
According to Genesis 36:8‑9, the Edomites displaced the Horites—an earlier group of inhabitants—and took their place in the region. The verse therefore reminds readers that God enabled the Edomites to dispossess the Horims and settle in Seir, just as He later gave the land of Canaan to the Israelites. This dual fulfillment underscores God’s covenant faithfulness to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The passage highlights God’s sovereignty: He can work through historical events and the movements of peoples to bring about His purposes. By granting Seir to the Edomites and Canaan to Israel, He demonstrates that His promises are kept, even when the means involve the rise and fall of nations.
Contextually, Deuteronomy focuses on Moses’ final instructions, reminders of God’s past deeds, and a renewal of the covenant. This verse reinforces the broader theme of God’s unwavering faithfulness and the assurance that He will continue to guide and provide for His people throughout their journey. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan, recognizing that He orchestrates history to fulfill His promises.
