And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, thorow the way of the plaine from Elath, and from Ezion-Gaber, wee turned and passed by the way of the wildernesse of Moab. Deuteronomy 2:8 (KJV)
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 verse Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness.
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. Moses mentions passing by the land of their brethren, the children of Esau (descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother), who dwelt in Seir.
Geographically the passage mentions Seir, Elath, Eziongaber, 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 Eziongaber were ports on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, the eastern branch of the Red Sea. The wilderness of Moab is an area east of the Dead Sea, which the Israelites passed through on their journey.
The Israelites’ journey indicated that after passing through the land of their brethren, the children of Esau, they 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 flow from this description. Respectful relationships are highlighted as the Israelites demonstrated respect and brotherhood by not engaging in hostilities with the Edomites, their relatives, teaching the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships with our brethren and close relatives. God’s guidance is evident as the verse shows how God led the Israelites, reminding us of the significance of seeking God’s direction and following it in our own lives. Trust in God’s provision is also underscored; as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness they had to rely on God’s provision, a reminder of His faithfulness even in challenging and unfamiliar circumstances.
Overall Deuteronomy 2:8 provides a glimpse into the Israelites’ journey toward the Promised Land and highlights the importance of respectful relationships, trust in God’s guidance, and reliance on His provision.
