“Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, the first five books traditionally attributed to Moses. It recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is addressing the king of Edom, seeking permission for the Israelites to pass through their land peacefully.
Respectful request:Moses approaches the king of Edom with a humble and respectful request. Instead of demanding passage, he offers to purchase provisions such as food and water, expressing the willingness of the Israelites to pay for their needs during the journey.
Desire for peaceful passage:Moses emphasises that their intention is only to pass through the land without causing any trouble. They are not seeking to conquer or take possession of Edom. Moses assures the king that their goal is to reach their destination and not to engage in any conflict.
Trust in God’s guidance:Though the verse does not explicitly mention it, the underlying theme is the Israelites’ trust in God’s guidance. The Israelites had witnessed God’s miracles and provision throughout their wilderness journey. By seeking permission to pass through Edom, they demonstrate their reliance on God rather than attempting to find their own way or force their passage.
Lessons on diplomacy and respect:Moses’ approach to the king of Edom teaches valuable lessons about diplomacy and respect. Even though the Israelites were God’s chosen people, Moses does not assert superiority or demand special treatment. Instead, he displays humility and seeks peaceful negotiations.
Application to our lives:This passage encourages us to approach others with respect, humility, and a willingness to peacefully coexist. It reminds us to value diplomacy, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts whenever possible. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of trusting in God’s guidance in our lives, knowing that He will lead us on the right path and provide for our needs.
Overall, Deuteronomy 2:28 illustrates Moses’ diplomatic approach in seeking peaceful passage through Edom. It teaches us valuable lessons about respect, humility, trust in God, and the importance of pursuing peaceful resolutions in our interactions with others.
