Deuteronomy 2:6 Study Bible: You shall purchase food of them for money, that you may eat; and you shall also buy water of them for money, that you may drink.'"

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◄ Deuteronomy 2:6 ►

You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.'"

You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink
You are to pay them
This phrase underscores the principle of fairness and respect for others' property and resources. In the Hebrew context, the word for "pay" (שָׁלַם, shalam) implies a sense of completeness and fulfillment of obligation. It reflects God's command for His people to act justly and honorably in their dealings with others, even with those who are not part of the covenant community. This instruction is a reminder of the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and treating others with dignity and respect, as seen throughout the Old and New Testaments.

in silver
Silver, in ancient times, was a common medium of exchange and a symbol of wealth and economic stability. The use of silver here indicates a formal and fair transaction, emphasizing the importance of integrity in economic dealings. In the biblical context, silver often represents purity and redemption, as seen in various scriptural references. This transaction in silver signifies a legitimate and honorable exchange, reflecting God's desire for His people to engage in honest and transparent commerce.

for the food you eat
The provision of food is a fundamental human need, and this phrase highlights the importance of sustaining life through fair means. In the wilderness journey, God provided manna for the Israelites, but here, they are instructed to purchase food, signifying a transition from divine provision to human responsibility. This shift teaches the Israelites to value and respect the resources of others, fostering a sense of community and mutual dependence. It also serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of gratitude for the sustenance He provides.

and the water you drink
Water, a vital resource in the arid regions of the Near East, is essential for survival. The instruction to pay for water underscores the value of this precious resource and the need to respect the rights of others to their natural resources. In biblical symbolism, water often represents life, cleansing, and spiritual renewal. By purchasing water, the Israelites acknowledge their dependence on God and others for life-sustaining resources, reinforcing the theme of humility and gratitude. This act of purchasing water also foreshadows the living water that Christ offers, which quenches spiritual thirst and provides eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who are journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

2. Edomites
Descendants of Esau, living in the region of Seir, whom the Israelites are instructed to pass through peacefully.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, conveying God's instructions to the people.

4. Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering Canaan.

5. Mount Seir
The region inhabited by the Edomites, which the Israelites are passing through.

Teaching Points

Respect for Others' Property
The Israelites are instructed to pay for what they consume, teaching us the importance of respecting others' resources and property.

Peaceful Coexistence
God commands the Israelites to pass through Edom peacefully, reminding us of the value of living in harmony with others, even those with whom we have historical tensions.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' adherence to God's command to pay for food and water demonstrates the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite being in the wilderness, God provides for the Israelites, teaching us to trust in His provision in our own lives.

Financial Integrity
The command to pay in silver underscores the importance of financial integrity and fair dealings in our interactions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to pay for food and water in Deuteronomy 2:6 reflect the broader biblical principle of respecting others' property?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of peaceful coexistence from this passage in our relationships today?

3. How does the Israelites' obedience to God's command in this passage challenge us in our own obedience to God's instructions?

4. What can we learn about God's provision from the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, and how can this encourage us in times of need?

5. How does the concept of financial integrity in Deuteronomy 2:6 relate to other biblical teachings on money and possessions, such as those found in Proverbs or the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:29-34
The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob, establishing the familial connection between the Israelites and Edomites.

Numbers 20:14-21
The initial request by Moses to pass through Edom, which was denied, highlighting the tension between the two groups.

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on peacemakers, which aligns with the peaceful approach instructed in Deuteronomy 2:6.

Romans 12:18
Paul's exhortation to live peaceably with all, reflecting the principle of peaceful coexistence seen in this passage.

Sermons

A New Departure	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Deuteronomy 2:1-7
A Sermon for the New Year	W. E. Sellers.	Deuteronomy 2:1-7
A Short Account of the Long Story of Israel in the Wilderness	Henry, Matthew	Deuteronomy 2:1-7
Comfort in the Wilderness	W. Hoyt.	Deuteronomy 2:1-7
Forty Years		Deuteronomy 2:1-7
The Divine Recall to Duty	J. L. Williams, B. A.	Deuteronomy 2:1-7
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the Covenant	R.M. Edgar	Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International Relationships	D. Davies	Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, Ammon	J. Orr	Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20

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

Buy, Drink, Drinking, Drunk, Eat, Eaten, Meat, Money, Needs, Price, Purchase, Silver

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Deuteronomy 2:6

4363 silver

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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