Deuteronomy 2:8 - 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.
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What does "Deuteronomy 2:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 2:8 describes a specific point in the Israelites' journey during the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"So we passed by from our brothers the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir..." This indicates the Israelites had just navigated past the territory inhabited by the descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), who lived in the mountainous region of Seir (often associated with modern-day Jordan). The phrase "passed by from our brothers" suggests the Israelites were being careful to avoid conflict with them, respecting God's earlier command not to antagonize them (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).
"...from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber." The Arabah is a deep rift valley that runs south from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea. Elath (also called Eilat today) and Ezion Geber were important ports located at the northern tip of the Red Sea. This phrase gives the geographical context of the Israelites' route, confirming that they were travelling along the eastern side of the Arabah, avoiding the Esauites.
"We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab." After passing through the territories of Edom, the Israelites turned east towards the area of Moab. They continued their journey into the wilderness/desert area that was part of the ancient territory of Moab. The Israelites were instructed not to dispossess the Moabites as well (Deuteronomy 2:9).
In essence, this verse describes the Israelites:
1. Respectfully circumnavigating the territory of the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and avoiding direct conflict with them.
2. Travelling along a specific route that can be geographically identified, placing them in a certain area of the Arabah Valley near the Red Sea ports.
3. Subsequently changing course towards the wilderness area of Moab.
Significance:
Geographical Detail: The verse provides important geographical markers, helping to trace the route of the Exodus.
Divine Guidance and Restraint: It highlights God's specific instructions to avoid conflict with certain nations (Edom and Moab) despite their perceived enmity, showing the Israelites' obedience in this early stage of their journey.
Setting the Stage: The passage sets the stage for subsequent events that will occur as the Israelites interact with the Moabites and other groups in the region, as the story continues in the book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 2:8 - 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.
What does "Deuteronomy 2:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 2:8 describes a specific point in the Israelites' journey during the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"So we passed by from our brothers the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir..." This indicates the Israelites had just navigated past the territory inhabited by the descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), who lived in the mountainous region of Seir (often associated with modern-day Jordan). The phrase "passed by from our brothers" suggests the Israelites were being careful to avoid conflict with them, respecting God's earlier command not to antagonize them (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).
"...from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber." The Arabah is a deep rift valley that runs south from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea. Elath (also called Eilat today) and Ezion Geber were important ports located at the northern tip of the Red Sea. This phrase gives the geographical context of the Israelites' route, confirming that they were travelling along the eastern side of the Arabah, avoiding the Esauites.
"We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab." After passing through the territories of Edom, the Israelites turned east towards the area of Moab. They continued their journey into the wilderness/desert area that was part of the ancient territory of Moab. The Israelites were instructed not to dispossess the Moabites as well (Deuteronomy 2:9).
In essence, this verse describes the Israelites:
1. Respectfully circumnavigating the territory of the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and avoiding direct conflict with them.
2. Travelling along a specific route that can be geographically identified, placing them in a certain area of the Arabah Valley near the Red Sea ports.
3. Subsequently changing course towards the wilderness area of Moab.
Significance:
Geographical Detail: The verse provides important geographical markers, helping to trace the route of the Exodus.
Divine Guidance and Restraint: It highlights God's specific instructions to avoid conflict with certain nations (Edom and Moab) despite their perceived enmity, showing the Israelites' obedience in this early stage of their journey.
Setting the Stage: The passage sets the stage for subsequent events that will occur as the Israelites interact with the Moabites and other groups in the region, as the story continues in the book of Deuteronomy.