Deuteronomy 2:15
Indeed, the LORD's hand was against them, to eliminate them from the camp, until they had all perished.
Indeed, the hand of the LORD
The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism used throughout Scripture to denote God's active involvement and intervention in the affairs of humanity. In Hebrew, "hand" (יָד, yad) symbolizes power, control, and authority. This phrase underscores God's sovereign power and His direct action in the lives of the Israelites. Historically, the Israelites understood that their successes and failures were directly tied to their obedience to God. The "hand of the LORD" here signifies divine judgment, a theme consistent with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses were contingent upon their faithfulness.

was against them
This phrase indicates opposition and judgment. In the context of Deuteronomy, it reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith. The Hebrew word for "against" (בְּ, be) can imply a position of opposition or hostility. This is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. Theologically, it emphasizes the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin, which is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament. It serves as a warning to the Israelites and to all believers about the dangers of straying from God's commands.

to eliminate them
The purpose of God's hand being against them was "to eliminate them." The Hebrew root for "eliminate" (כָּלָה, kalah) means to bring to an end, to complete, or to consume. This reflects the fulfillment of God's judgment upon a generation that had repeatedly tested His patience and grace. Historically, this refers to the generation of Israelites who were condemned to die in the wilderness due to their unbelief and rebellion, as recorded in Numbers 14. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and the fulfillment of God's righteous decrees.

from the camp
The "camp" refers to the encampment of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was not just a physical location but a representation of the community of God's people. Being removed "from the camp" signifies exclusion from the covenant community and the blessings associated with it. In the broader biblical narrative, this foreshadows the ultimate separation from God's presence that sin brings. Archaeologically, the concept of a camp is supported by evidence of nomadic settlements in the Sinai Peninsula, aligning with the biblical account of Israel's wilderness wanderings.

until they had all perished
This phrase marks the completion of God's judgment upon the disobedient generation. The Hebrew word for "perished" (תָּמַם, tamam) means to be complete or finished. It signifies the totality of God's judgment, as none of the rebellious generation entered the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua, who remained faithful. This serves as a historical and theological lesson on the importance of faith and obedience. It highlights the faithfulness of God to His word, both in promises and in judgments, and serves as a call to future generations to heed God's commands and trust in His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is executing judgment on the disobedient generation.

3. The Wilderness
The place where the Israelites wandered for 40 years as a consequence of their rebellion against God.

4. The Disobedient Generation
The generation of Israelites who left Egypt but were not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to their lack of faith and rebellion.

5. The Camp
The encampment of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, where the judgment took place.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The verse highlights the serious consequences of disobedience to God. Just as the Israelites faced judgment, we too must be mindful of our actions and attitudes toward God's commands.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's hand was against the Israelites, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice. We must recognize that God is both loving and just, and His judgments are righteous.

The Importance of Faith and Obedience
The disobedient generation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of faith and obedience. We are called to trust in God's promises and follow His guidance.

Learning from the Past
The history of the Israelites is recorded for our instruction. We should learn from their mistakes and strive to live lives that are pleasing to God.

Perseverance in Faith
Just as the Israelites were called to persevere in their journey, we too must persevere in our faith, trusting in God's plan and timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. What were the specific actions or attitudes that led to God's judgment against the disobedient generation of Israelites?

2. How does the concept of God's sovereignty and justice in Deuteronomy 2:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' disobedience to our own lives today?

4. How do the warnings in Hebrews 3-4 about unbelief and disobedience relate to the events described in Deuteronomy 2:15?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your relationship with God and your understanding of His commands?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 14
This chapter provides the background for the judgment against the disobedient generation, detailing their rebellion and God's decree that they would not enter the Promised Land.

Hebrews 3-4
These chapters in the New Testament reflect on the unbelief of the Israelites and serve as a warning to Christians to remain faithful and obedient.

Psalm 95
This psalm recalls the rebellion of the Israelites and calls for worship and obedience to God, emphasizing the importance of listening to His voice.
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
Dying OutJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:14, 15
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
Camp, Completely, Consumed, Dead, Destroy, Destruction, Discomfit, Eliminated, Host, Indeed, Midst, Moreover, Perished, Till, Within, Working
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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