Deuteronomy 2:4
Deuteronomy 2:4 in Multiple Translations
and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful.
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore;
And give the people orders, saying, You are about to go through the land of your brothers, the children of Esau, who are living in Seir; and they will have fear of you; so take care what you do:
and give these orders to the people: You are going to pass through the territory of your relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be frightened of you, so you need to be very careful.
And warne thou the people, saying, Ye shall go through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir, and they shall be afraide of you: take ye good heede therefore.
'And the people command thou, saying, Ye are passing over into the border of your brethren, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, and they are afraid of you; and ye have been very watchful,
Command the people, saying, ‘You are to pass through the border of your brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore be careful.
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you: therefore take ye good heed to yourselves:
And command thou the people, saying: You shall pass by the borders of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, and they will be afraid of you.
And tell the people that they are about to travel near the land that belongs to the descendants of Esau, who are also descendants of Isaac. They live in the hilly Edom region. They will be afraid of you,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 2:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הָ/עָם֮
צַ֣ו
לֵ/אמֹר֒
אַתֶּ֣ם
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים
בִּ/גְבוּל֙
אֲחֵי/כֶ֣ם
בְּנֵי
עֵשָׂ֔ו
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
בְּ/שֵׂעִ֑יר
וְ/יִֽירְא֣וּ
מִ/כֶּ֔ם
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם
מְאֹֽד
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/עָם֮
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
צַ֣ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
לֵ/אמֹר֒
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
בִּ/גְבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Prep | N-ms
אֲחֵי/כֶ֣ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עֵשָׂ֔ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
Esau
N-proper
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/שֵׂעִ֑יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
Seir
Prep | N-proper
וְ/יִֽירְא֣וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִ/כֶּ֔ם
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 2:4
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָם֮
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
צַ֣ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לֵ/אמֹר֒
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בִּ/גְבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
אֲחֵי/כֶ֣ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֵשָׂ֔ו
ʻÊsâv
H6215
"Esau"
N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/שֵׂעִ֑יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
"Seir"
Prep | N-proper
Seir refers to a mountain in Idumaea and its original inhabitants, with the name meaning hairy or shaggy, as seen in Genesis 32:3 and Deuteronomy 2:1.
Definition: § Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy" patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Seir. See also: Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21:11.
וְ/יִֽירְא֣וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מִ/כֶּ֔ם
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 2:4
Context — Wanderings in the Wilderness
2At this time the LORD said to me,
3“You have been wandering around this hill country long enough; turn to the north
4and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful.
5Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. 6You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 20:14–21 | From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:15 | Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 23:7 | Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. |
| 4 | Ephesians 5:15 | Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, |
| 5 | Matthew 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. |
| 6 | Obadiah 1:10–13 | Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. You should not enter the gate of My people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, nor loot their wealth in the day of their disaster. |
| 7 | Philippians 2:15 | so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world |
| 8 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 9 | Numbers 22:3–4 | and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, |
| 10 | Luke 12:15 | And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” |
Deuteronomy 2:4 Summary
[This verse is telling us that the Israelites are going to be passing through the land of their relatives, the descendants of Esau, and they need to be careful not to upset them. God had given this land to Esau, just like He had given the Israelites their own land, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8. We can learn from this that it's essential to respect other people's boundaries and possessions, just like God respects the boundaries He has set for us (as seen in Exodus 20:17). By being careful and respectful, we can show God's love and character to those around us, and live in peace with our neighbors, as commanded in Mark 12:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct the Israelites to be careful when passing through the territory of the descendants of Esau?
God instructed the Israelites to be careful because He had given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:5, and He did not want any conflict to arise between the two groups, similar to the peaceful coexistence commanded in Exodus 23:32.
What is the significance of the descendants of Esau living in Seir?
The descendants of Esau living in Seir signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau, as recorded in Genesis 36:8, and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Esau, similar to His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of respecting the boundaries of others?
This verse highlights the importance of respecting the boundaries and possessions of others, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:5 and 6, and demonstrates God's desire for His people to live in peace with their neighbors, as commanded in Mark 12:31 and Romans 13:10.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
From this verse, we can learn about God's character as a God of peace, justice, and faithfulness, who desires for His people to live in harmony with others, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:4-6 and supported by verses such as Psalm 37:37 and Matthew 5:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be careful and respectful of others' boundaries, just like the Israelites were instructed to do?
- How can I demonstrate God's character of peace and justice in my relationships with others, especially those who may be different from me?
- What are some ways I can show respect and care for those around me, even if we may not always see eye-to-eye?
- How can I trust God to guide me in my interactions with others, just as He guided the Israelites through the wilderness?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 2:4
And command thou the people,.... Give them a strict charge: saying, ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children or Esau: not through the midst of their country, for that the king
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 2:4
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
Through the coast, or, by or near the coast or border; for they did not pass through their borders, as it is said, . And the particle beth doth oft signify by or near, as . Thus that difference may be reconciled, which others reconcile thus, that they at first denied it, but afterwards granted it. Which dwell in Seir: these words restrain the prohibition to these particular children of Esau, for there were another sort or branch of Esau’ s children, which were to be meddled with and destroyed, even the Amalekites, , who were Esau’ s posterity, . They shall be afraid of you; but I charge you take no advantage of their fears, which you will be very apt to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
Deuteronomy 2:4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:Ver. 4. Which dwell in Seir.] To distinguish them from the Amalekites, Esau’ s seed too, but devoted to destruction. And they shall be afraid of you.] Though worse afraid than hurt. “ Hic rogo, non furor est, ne moriare, mori? ” We read of some Jews, that at the sack of Jerusalem killed themselves lest they should be taken by the enemy.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
(4) Ye are to pass through the coast.—Literally, Ye are passing through the border. This was apparently said before the permission was asked, and in view of the request made for it (Numbers 20:17). But Edom refused to let Israel pass through his coast or border (Numbers 20:21). They shall be afraid of you.—According to the prophecy in the song of Moses (Exodus 15:15), “Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed.”
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 2:4
4. Ye are to pass] The Heb. participle expressing, as often, the immediate future. through the border] Rather through the territory. The preposition is the same as that used in Israel’s request in JE, Numbers 21:17, let us pass through thy land and in Edom’s reply, thou shall not pass through me. Had the meaning been on or along the border, another preposition would have been used. The territory of Edom appears to have reached the sea (1 Kings 9:26), and Israel must needs cross it on the way to Moab. your brethren, the sons of Esau] Deuteronomy 23:7; Amos 1:11; Obadiah 1:10; Obadiah 1:12; Malachi 1:2. which dwell in Seir] Se‘îr is here equivalent to Mt Se‘îr as the next verse shows; yet the range, running S., droops and gives way before the W. el ’Ithm is reached, up which we have supposed that Israel marched. and they shall be afraid of you] Heb. so that they shall be afraid of you. This is the temper imputed to Edom by JE when Israel asked leave to cross their land from Ḳ ?adesh, Numbers 10:18-20. take ye good hed unto yourselves] Another favourite expression of the deuteronomic writers.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 2:4
Compare the marginal reference. Though the Edomites resisted the passage through the midst of their land, they did not, and probably could not, oppose the “passing through the coast” or along their eastern frontier.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:4
4. The coast of… the children of Esau — In Numbers 20:14, we read that Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom asking permission to pass through his country.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 2:4
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Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |
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Commentary Notes - Obadiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the book of Obadiah, highlighting the prophetic message of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of God's government. The Edomites, descendents of |
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A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e |
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(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to va |