Deuteronomy 2 recounts the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Moses reminds the people of God’s command to avoid conflict with the descendants of Esau, who dwell in Seir, as the land was given to them by God. The Israelites passed through various territories, including Moab, but were not to engage in battle with the Moabites or take any of their land, as it was also given to them by God. The same principle applied to the Ammonites, descendants of Lot.
The Israelites continued their journey, bypassing the land of the Amorites until they arrived at the territory of the powerful King Sihon of Heshbon. Moses sent messengers to request peaceful passage through the land, but Sihon refused and instead gathered his army to confront the Israelites. However, the Lord delivered Sihon and his people into the hands of the Israelites, and they conquered the land of the Amorites, including the cities of Heshbon and Bashan.
The chapter concludes with Moses reiterating God’s instruction not to provoke conflict with the Ammonites and to respect the territory given to them. The Israelites were to focus on claiming the land promised to them by God, allowing other nations to dwell in peace within their own borders.
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