Deuteronomy 2:28
You can sell us food to eat and water to drink in exchange for silver. Only let us pass through on foot,
You can sell us food to eat
This phrase reflects the Israelites' request for basic sustenance during their journey. The Hebrew word for "sell" is "מָכַר" (makar), which implies a transaction or exchange. This request underscores the Israelites' intention to engage in fair trade, respecting the sovereignty and resources of the nations they pass through. Historically, this reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, relying on local resources while maintaining peaceful relations.

and water to drink
Water, a vital resource in the arid regions of the Near East, is emphasized here. The Hebrew word "מַיִם" (mayim) signifies not just physical sustenance but also spiritual refreshment, often symbolizing life and purity in biblical literature. The request for water highlights the Israelites' dependence on God’s provision through the cooperation of neighboring peoples, illustrating a reliance on divine providence even in mundane needs.

in exchange for silver
The use of "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) indicates a willingness to pay for resources, showing respect for the economic systems of the time. Silver was a common medium of exchange in the ancient Near East, reflecting the Israelites' integration into the broader economic practices of the region. This phrase underscores the principle of fairness and integrity in dealings with others, a value deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law.

Only let us pass through on foot—
The phrase "pass through on foot" (עָבַר, avar) suggests a peaceful transit without intent to settle or conquer. This request for passage is a plea for hospitality and cooperation, reflecting the Israelites' desire to avoid conflict. Historically, this reflects the common practice of seeking safe passage through foreign lands, relying on the goodwill of others. It also symbolizes the transient nature of the Israelites' journey, reminding believers of the temporary nature of earthly life and the ultimate destination of the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

2. Edomites
The descendants of Esau, living in the region of Edom, whom the Israelites are requesting passage from.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is negotiating with the Edomites for safe passage.

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

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
Principle of Fair Exchange
The Israelites' offer to buy food and water reflects a principle of fairness and respect for others' resources. In our interactions, we should strive for fairness and mutual respect.

Peaceful Negotiation
The request to pass through Edom peacefully teaches us the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions in conflicts and negotiations.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite the challenges, the Israelites trusted in God's provision. We are reminded to trust God to provide for our needs, even when circumstances seem difficult.

Respect for Others' Boundaries
The Israelites respected the Edomites' land and sought permission to pass through. We should respect others' boundaries and seek consent in our interactions.

Faith in God's Promises
The journey towards the Promised Land symbolizes faith in God's promises. We are encouraged to hold onto God's promises, even when the journey is long and challenging.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the Israelites' approach to the Edomites reflect the principle of the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of fair exchange in our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the Israelites' request for passage through Edom demonstrate trust in God's provision, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' respect for the Edomites' boundaries, and how can we apply these lessons in our relationships?

5. How does the journey of the Israelites towards the Promised Land encourage us to hold onto God's promises in our own spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 20:14-21
This passage provides a parallel account of the Israelites' request to pass through Edom, highlighting the challenges they faced.

Genesis 25:29-34
The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob, which sets the historical context for the relationship between the Israelites and Edomites.

Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule, which reflects the principle of fair exchange and peaceful interaction seen in the Israelites' request.

Romans 12:18
Encourages living at peace with everyone, resonating with the Israelites' peaceful approach to the Edomites.

Hebrews 12:14
Calls for peace and holiness, aligning with the Israelites' desire for a peaceful passage.
The Destruction of Sihon, King of the AmoritesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Warrantable WarfareD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:24-37
The Conquest of SihonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:26-37
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
Drink, Drinking, Drunk, Eat, Eaten, Foot, Meat, Money, Needs, Pass, Price, Sell, Silver
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:28

     4293   water
     4363   silver
     5242   buying and selling

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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