Deuteronomy 2:28 - You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink. Just let me pass through on my feet,

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 2:28

What does "Deuteronomy 2:28" mean?


This verse, from Deuteronomy 2:28, is part of Moses's account of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It specifically describes the Israelites' request to peacefully pass through the land of Edom. Let's break it down:

"You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat;": The Israelites were not asking for handouts. They were offering to purchase food from the Edomites. They were willing to pay a fair price for essential supplies.
"and give me water for money, that I may drink.": Similar to the food, they were offering to buy water. Water was a precious resource, especially in that region, and they were respecting the Edomites' property rights.
"Just let me pass through on my feet,": This is the core request. The Israelites simply wanted peaceful passage through Edomite territory. They were not seeking to conquer, settle, or cause trouble. They only needed to cross through.

In essence, the verse is a request for safe passage, emphasizing the Israelites' commitment to being respectful, self-sufficient (by paying for their needs), and non-threatening.

The verse highlights the following points:

Peaceful Intent: The Israelites sought to avoid conflict and were willing to take the necessary steps to maintain peaceful relations.
Respect for Property: The Israelites understood that the food and water belonged to the Edomites and that they needed to pay for them.
Humility: The Israelites weren't demanding or entitled. They were making a polite request.

Significance in the context of Deuteronomy:

This passage is significant because it reveals God's instructions to the Israelites regarding their dealings with other nations. They were to avoid unnecessary conflict and to treat their neighbors with respect whenever possible. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them relatives of the Israelites. God instructed the Israelites to not harass them, indicating a specific boundary to their conquest. Unfortunately, the Edomites refused the request (Deuteronomy 2:29), leading to a more circuitous route for the Israelites.

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