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Deuteronomy 2:8

Deuteronomy 2:8 in Multiple Translations

So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.

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.

So we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

So we went on past our brothers, the children of Esau, living in Seir, by the road through the Arabah, from Elath and Ezion-geber. And turning, we went by the road through the waste land of Moab.

So we passed by our relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We didn't take the Arabah road from Elath and Ezion-geber. Instead we used the road that goes through the desert of Moab.

And when we were departed from our brethren the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plaine, from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we turned and went by the way of the wildernes of Moab.

'And we pass by from our brethren, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, by the way of the plain, by Elath, and by Ezion-Gaber; and we turn, and pass over the way of the wilderness of Moab;

So we passed by from our brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, who 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.

And when we had passed by our brethren the children of Esau, that dwelt in Seir, by the way of the plain from Elath and from Asiongaber, we came to the way that leadeth to the desert of Moab.

So we continued to travel. We avoided going through the hilly area where the descendants of Esau live. We stayed away from the road through the Jordan River Valley past Ezion-Geber and Elath towns, and we turned and traveled northeast toward the desert area where the Moab people-group lives.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 2:8

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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 2:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֞ר מֵ/אֵ֧ת אַחֵ֣י/נוּ בְנֵי עֵשָׂ֗ו הַ/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּ/שֵׂעִ֔יר מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ הָֽ/עֲרָבָ֔ה מֵ/אֵילַ֖ת וּ/מֵ/עֶצְיֹ֣ן גָּ֑בֶר וַ/נֵּ֨פֶן֙ וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֔ר דֶּ֖רֶךְ מִדְבַּ֥ר מוֹאָֽב
וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֞ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
מֵ/אֵ֧ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep
אַחֵ֣י/נוּ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
בְנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
עֵשָׂ֗ו ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau N-proper
הַ/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal
בְּ/שֵׂעִ֔יר Sêʻîyr H8165 Seir Prep | N-proper
מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
הָֽ/עֲרָבָ֔ה ʻărâbâh H6160 plain Art | N-fs
מֵ/אֵילַ֖ת ʼÊylôwth H359 Elath Prep | N-proper
וּ/מֵ/עֶצְיֹ֣ן ʻEtsyôwn Geber H6100 Ezion-geber Conj | Prep | N-proper
גָּ֑בֶר ʻEtsyôwn Geber H6100 Ezion-geber N-proper
וַ/נֵּ֨פֶן֙ pânâh H6437 Corner (Gate) Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֔ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
מִדְבַּ֥ר midbâr H4057 mouth N-ms
מוֹאָֽב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 2:8

וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֞ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
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.
מֵ/אֵ֧ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אַחֵ֣י/נוּ 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.
בְנֵי 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.
עֵשָׂ֗ו 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/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ 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/שֵׂעִ֔יר 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.
מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָֽ/עֲרָבָ֔ה ʻărâbâh H6160 "plain" Art | N-fs
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
מֵ/אֵילַ֖ת ʼÊylôwth H359 "Elath" Prep | N-proper
Eloth is a place on the Red Sea, also known as Elath, which means 'grove of lofty trees'. It was an important port city in ancient times. The name appears in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: § Elath or Eloth = "grove of lofty trees" a port on the north-east arm of the Red Sea
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elath, Eloth. See also: Deuteronomy 2:8; 2 Kings 16:6; 2 Chronicles 26:2.
וּ/מֵ/עֶצְיֹ֣ן ʻEtsyôwn Geber H6100 "Ezion-geber" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Ezion-geber was a place on the Red Sea where the Israelites stopped during their exodus, its name means 'backbone of a man'.
Definition: § Ezion-geber = "backbone of a man" the last station during the exodus of the Israelites before they came to the wilderness of Zin; located near Elath at the head of the Gulf of Akaba
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Ezion-geber. See also: Numbers 33:35; 1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 20:36.
גָּ֑בֶר ʻEtsyôwn Geber H6100 "Ezion-geber" N-proper
Ezion-geber was a place on the Red Sea where the Israelites stopped during their exodus, its name means 'backbone of a man'.
Definition: § Ezion-geber = "backbone of a man" the last station during the exodus of the Israelites before they came to the wilderness of Zin; located near Elath at the head of the Gulf of Akaba
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Ezion-geber. See also: Numbers 33:35; 1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 20:36.
וַ/נֵּ֨פֶן֙ pânâh H6437 "Corner (Gate)" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
וַֽ/נַּעֲבֹ֔ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
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.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
מִדְבַּ֥ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
מוֹאָֽב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 2:8

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.
2 Judges 11:18 Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.
3 2 Kings 16:6 At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, drove out the men of Judah, and sent the Edomites into Elath, where they live to this day.
4 2 Kings 14:22 Azariah was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers.
5 Numbers 20:20–21 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.
6 Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph—between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
7 Numbers 33:35 They set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber.

Deuteronomy 2:8 Summary

In Deuteronomy 2:8, the Israelites passed by their brothers, the Edomites, and turned away from a major trade route to travel along a more difficult road. This shows that they were following God's instructions and avoiding conflict with others, just as we are called to do in Romans 12:18. By trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life and stay on the path that He has planned for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 23:1-4. Just as the Israelites were cared for by God in the wilderness, we can trust that He will provide for us and guide us on our own journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the descendants of Esau mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:8?

The descendants of Esau are the Edomites, who lived in the region of Seir, as mentioned in Genesis 36:8 and 1 Chronicles 1:35-42. They were the brothers of the Israelites, but they had a complicated relationship, as seen in Genesis 27:1-40 and Numbers 20:14-21.

What is the Arabah road mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:8?

The Arabah road was a major trade route that connected the port cities of Elath and Ezion-geber to the rest of the region, as mentioned in 1 Kings 9:26 and 2 Kings 14:22. It was an important route for commerce and travel, but the Israelites turned away from it to travel along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.

Why did the Israelites turn away from the Arabah road and travel along the road of the Wilderness of Moab?

The Israelites turned away from the Arabah road because the Lord had given them specific instructions to avoid conflict with the Edomites and Moabites, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:4-6 and Deuteronomy 2:9. They were to travel along the road of the Wilderness of Moab, which would take them to the eastern side of the Jordan River, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:1-3.

What can we learn from the Israelites' journey in Deuteronomy 2:8?

We can learn about the importance of following God's instructions and avoiding conflict with others, as seen in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:38-42. We can also learn about God's provision and care for His people, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:7 and Psalm 23:1-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have had to turn away from a path that seemed easy or convenient, in order to follow God's plan?
  2. How can I apply the principle of avoiding conflict with others, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:8, to my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
  3. What are some ways that God has provided for me and cared for me on my own journey, just as He did for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 2:7?
  4. How can I trust God's sovereignty and guidance, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 2:8

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Self,.... Along their coasts, by the borders of their country: through the way of the plain; the wilderness of Zin, where

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 2:8

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 Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:8

Ezion-gaber; of which see , which may be either that place upon the Red Sea, , or another of the same name. We turned, to wit, from our direct road which lay through Edom’ s land.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:8

(8) When we passed . . . from . . . Esau . . . through the way of the plain from Elath.—The route from Seir, after Esau’s refusal, was southward to Ezion-geber, at the head of the Gulf of Akabah, and Elath, a few miles south-east of Ezion-geber, on the same coast. They then turned northward, and going round the territory of Edom, reached the country of Moab.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 2:8

8b–15. Arrival on the Border of Moab Israel, having crossed Edom from the ‘Arabah towards the wilderness of Moab (8 b), is charged not to treat Moab as a foe. Jehovah gave ‘Ar, their land, to the children of Lot: this is in Sg. address (9); and there follow notes on the predecessors of Moab in ‘Ar, and of Edom in Mt Se‘îr (10–12). The Pl. is resumed in a charge to Israel to cross the Wâdy Zered, which they did (13); their time from Ḳ ?adesh to the Zered being 38 years, and all the condemned generation being now dead under Jehovah’s hand (14 f.). For the parallels in JE and P (some of which have been already given) see below on the separate verses.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 2:8

Elath (Akaba) is at the northern extremity of the eastern arm of the Red Sea, and gives to that arm the name of the Elanitic Gulf. The name means “trees;” and is still justified by the grove of palm-trees at Akaba.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:8

8. The way of the plain — The Arabah. From Elath and Elzion-gaber — See Numbers 33:35. Both places are mentioned in 1 Kings 9:26. They were on the AElanitic Gulf. The wilderness of Moab — Comp. Judges 11:16-18.

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