“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 Ezion-gaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It contains Moses’ final addresses to the Israelites, preparing them to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for forty years. In this particular verse, Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness.
Historical Background:The verse refers to the time when the Israelites, led by Moses, were on their way to the Promised Land. They had left Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, and were now moving through the wilderness towards Canaan. In this verse, Moses mentions passing by the land of their brethren, the children of Esau (descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother), who dwelt in Seir.
Geographic Locations:The verse mentions several geographical locations: Seir, Elath, Ezion-gaber, and the wilderness of Moab. Seir refers to the mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau. Elath and Ezion-gaber were both ports located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, which is the eastern branch of the Red Sea. The wilderness of Moab is an area located east of the Dead Sea, which the Israelites passed through on their journey.
The Israelites’ Journey:The verse indicates that after passing through the land of their brethren, the children of Esau, the Israelites turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. This suggests that they did not engage in conflict with the Edomites but instead took an alternative route through the wilderness of Moab.
Lessons and Applications:While this verse primarily provides historical and geographical information, we can draw a few lessons from it:
- Respectful Relationships:The Israelites demonstrated respect and brotherhood by not engaging in hostilities with the Edomites, who were their relatives. It teaches us the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships, especially with our brethren and close relatives.
- God’s Guidance:The verse highlights how God led the Israelites through their journey, guiding them on the path they should take. It reminds us of the significance of seeking God’s guidance and following His direction in our own lives.
- Trust in God’s Provision:As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they had to rely on God’s provision for their needs. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision, even in challenging and unfamiliar circumstances.
Overall, Deuteronomy 2:8 provides a glimpse into the Israelites’ journey towards the Promised Land and highlights the importance of respectful relationships, trust in God’s guidance, and reliance on His provision.
