Deuteronomy 2:18
"Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar.
Today
The word "today" in this context signifies a specific moment in time, a divine appointment set by God. In Hebrew, the word is "הַיּוֹם" (hayom), which emphasizes immediacy and urgency. It reflects God's active involvement in the lives of the Israelites, guiding them step by step. This word reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His plans unfold in His appointed time. It calls believers to trust in God's timing and to be attentive to His voice in the present moment.

you are to pass
The phrase "you are to pass" indicates movement and transition. The Hebrew root "עָבַר" (avar) means to cross over or pass through. This is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, symbolizing progress and obedience to God's command. It reflects the journey of faith, where believers are called to move forward, leaving behind the past and stepping into God's promises. It is a call to action, urging the faithful to trust in God's guidance as they move towards their divine destiny.

through the territory of Moab
The "territory of Moab" refers to the land inhabited by the Moabites, descendants of Lot. Historically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites had a complex relationship with Israel, often marked by conflict and tension. However, God instructs the Israelites to pass through peacefully, respecting the boundaries He has set. This teaches a lesson in respecting others' territories and trusting God's provision without resorting to conflict. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the recognition of His sovereignty over all nations.

at Ar
"Ar" was a city in Moab, possibly the capital or a significant location within the territory. The mention of Ar highlights a specific geographical point in the Israelites' journey. It serves as a reminder of God's detailed guidance and the precision of His instructions. Each location in their journey had significance, teaching the Israelites lessons in trust, obedience, and reliance on God. For believers today, it emphasizes that God is concerned with the details of our lives and that every step in our journey has purpose and meaning.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites, who were descendants of Lot. The Israelites were instructed to pass by this region without engaging in conflict, as God had not given them this land.

2. Ar
A city or region within Moab. It served as a geographical marker for the Israelites' journey as they moved towards the Promised Land.

3. Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received and communicated God's instructions to the people.

5. God's Command
The directive given by God to the Israelites, emphasizing obedience and respect for the boundaries set by God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' journey was marked by strict adherence to God's instructions. Believers today are called to obey God's Word, trusting His wisdom and timing.

Respect for God's Boundaries
Just as the Israelites respected the boundaries set by God, Christians are to respect the boundaries in their lives, understanding that God has a purpose for them.

Peaceful Coexistence
The command to pass by Moab peacefully teaches the importance of living at peace with others, even when differences exist.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
God's guidance of the Israelites through specific regions demonstrates His control over all nations and events. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan for their lives.

Journey of Faith
The Israelites' journey is a metaphor for the Christian walk of faith, requiring trust, obedience, and reliance on God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to pass by Moab without conflict reflect God's broader plan for the Israelites?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of respecting God's boundaries in our personal lives today?

3. How does the Israelites' peaceful passage by Moab relate to the New Testament teaching on living at peace with others?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' journey about trusting God's timing and direction in our own lives?

5. How does understanding the historical and familial connection between Israel and Moab enhance our interpretation of this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 19
Provides background on the Moabites, tracing their lineage to Lot, Abraham's nephew, which explains the familial connection and God's command to avoid conflict with them.

Numbers 21
Describes the Israelites' journey and encounters with other nations, highlighting God's guidance and protection.

Deuteronomy 2:9
Earlier in the chapter, God instructs the Israelites not to harass the Moabites, reinforcing the theme of respecting God's boundaries.

Psalm 60
Reflects on God's sovereignty over nations, including Moab, and His ultimate plan for His people.

Romans 12:18
Encourages believers to live at peace with everyone, aligning with the Israelites' peaceful passage by Moab.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, AmmonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
The Wasting of the WarriorsR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:14-18
People
Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites
Places
Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, Zered
Topics
Ar, Border, Boundary, Coast, Cross, Limit, Moab, Pass, Passing, Region, To-day
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:14

     5694   generation

Library
A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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