Deuteronomy 2:17
the LORD said to me,
the LORD
The term "LORD" in this context is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," often vocalized as Yahweh. This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. In the conservative Christian perspective, this name signifies God's covenantal faithfulness and His unchanging character. It is a reminder of His sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The use of "LORD" here underscores the authority and divine origin of the message being conveyed.

said
The Hebrew word for "said" is "amar," which is a common verb used throughout the Old Testament to denote speech. In this context, it indicates direct communication from God to Moses. This highlights the prophetic nature of Moses' leadership, as he receives and relays God's instructions to the Israelites. The act of God speaking is significant, as it demonstrates His desire to guide and instruct His people, reinforcing the idea that God is not distant but actively involved in their journey.

to me
The phrase "to me" refers to Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel. This personal address signifies the unique role Moses plays as the mediator between God and the Israelites. It emphasizes the personal relationship Moses has with God, characterized by direct communication and trust. In the broader narrative of Deuteronomy, this personal interaction serves as a model for the Israelites, illustrating the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's word. Moses' role as the recipient of God's message underscores the theme of divine guidance and leadership throughout the Israelites' journey.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks directly to Moses, guiding the Israelites on their journey.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are journeying to the Promised Land.

4. Wilderness Journey
The period of wandering in the desert as the Israelites make their way from Egypt to Canaan, the land promised to them by God.
Teaching Points
God's Direct Communication
God speaks to His people, providing guidance and direction. We should seek to hear His voice through prayer and Scripture.

Leadership and Obedience
Moses' role as a leader highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. Leaders today should seek God's guidance and lead with integrity.

Trust in God's Timing
The wilderness journey teaches us to trust in God's timing and plan, even when it seems prolonged or difficult.

Faithfulness in the Journey
The Israelites' experience reminds us to remain faithful and trust in God's promises, even when the path is challenging.

Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the Israelites' journey helps us learn from their mistakes and encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the identity of the LORD as revealed in Exodus 3:14 enhance our comprehension of His guidance in Deuteronomy 2:17?

2. In what ways can we discern God's voice in our lives today, similar to how Moses received direct communication from the LORD?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' wilderness journey that apply to our own spiritual journeys?

4. How can leaders today emulate Moses' obedience and reliance on God's guidance in their leadership roles?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of His plans?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:14
Connects to the identity of the LORD as "I AM," emphasizing His eternal presence and authority, which is foundational to His guidance in Deuteronomy.

Numbers 14:33-34
Provides context for the wilderness journey, explaining the reason for the Israelites' extended time in the desert due to their disobedience.

Hebrews 3:7-19
Reflects on the Israelites' wilderness experience as a lesson in faith and obedience, urging believers to heed God's voice today.
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
Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
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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