Deuteronomy 2:22
just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.
just as He had done
This phrase emphasizes the consistency and faithfulness of God's actions. The Hebrew root here is "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher), meaning "just as" or "in the same way." It highlights God's unchanging nature and His equitable dealings with different peoples. This consistency is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises, reinforcing the idea that His actions are deliberate and purposeful.

for the descendants of Esau
The descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites, were the offspring of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Hebrew term "בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו" (benei Esav) refers to this lineage. Historically, the Edomites settled in the region of Seir. This reference serves as a reminder of the familial connections between the Israelites and the Edomites, as both descended from Isaac. It underscores the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations and His providential care over the descendants of Abraham.

who lived in Seir
Seir is a mountainous region located southeast of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew "שֵׂעִיר" (Se'ir) refers to this territory. Archaeological evidence suggests that Seir was inhabited by various groups over time, including the Horites and later the Edomites. This geographical reference situates the narrative in a real, historical context, reminding readers of the tangible reality of God's interventions in history.

when He destroyed the Horites before them
The Horites were an ancient people who lived in the region before the Edomites. The Hebrew "הַחֹרִים" (ha-Chorim) refers to this group. God's destruction of the Horites to make way for the descendants of Esau illustrates His active role in shaping the destinies of nations. This action is a testament to God's power and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan.

They drove them out
This phrase indicates the active participation of the Edomites in taking possession of the land. The Hebrew "וַיָּרִשׁוּם" (vayyarishum) means "they dispossessed them." It highlights the cooperation between divine sovereignty and human agency. The Edomites' success in driving out the Horites is attributed to God's prior intervention, demonstrating that human efforts are ultimately undergirded by divine will.

and have lived in their place to this day
This statement underscores the enduring nature of the Edomites' settlement in Seir. The Hebrew "עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (ad hayom hazeh) means "to this day," indicating the lasting impact of God's actions. It serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the stability that comes from His providential care. This enduring presence is a reminder of the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenantal promises across generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Descendants of Esau
Also known as the Edomites, they are the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. They settled in the region of Seir.

2. Seir
A mountainous region where the descendants of Esau settled. It is located southeast of the Dead Sea.

3. Horites
The original inhabitants of the region of Seir before the Edomites. They were displaced by the descendants of Esau.

4. God's Intervention
The verse highlights God's role in the displacement of the Horites, showing His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of nations.

5. Historical Context
This event is part of the broader account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land, illustrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in History
God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. This should encourage believers to trust in His ultimate control over world events.

Fulfillment of Promises
Just as God fulfilled His promises to Esau's descendants, He remains faithful to His promises to us. Believers can find assurance in God's unchanging nature.

Displacement and Divine Justice
The displacement of the Horites serves as a reminder of God's justice. It challenges us to consider how God’s justice and mercy are at work in our lives and the world.

Legacy and Influence
The Edomites' continued presence in Seir "to this day" speaks to the lasting impact of God's actions. We are encouraged to consider the legacy we are building through our faith and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the displacement of the Horites by the descendants of Esau demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of God's promises to Esau's descendants encourage us to trust in His promises today?

3. How can we reconcile the concept of divine justice with the displacement of peoples, as seen in the case of the Horites and Edomites?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical relationship between Israel and Edom, and how can these lessons be applied to our relationships with others?

5. Considering the lasting presence of the Edomites in Seir, what steps can we take to ensure that our faith leaves a positive and enduring legacy?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36
Provides background on Esau's descendants and their settlement in Seir, offering context to the displacement of the Horites.

Numbers 20
Describes Israel's interaction with Edom, the descendants of Esau, highlighting the historical relationship between the two nations.

Obadiah 1
Prophecies against Edom, reflecting on their pride and eventual downfall, which ties back to their origins and God's sovereignty over their history.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
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
Destroyed, Destruction, Dispossess, Dispossessed, Drove, Dwell, Dwelling, Dwelt, Esau, Horim, Horims, Horites, Seir, Se'ir, Settled, Sons, Stead, Succeeded
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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