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 eatIsrael offered to purchase provisions while traveling toward the land God had promised them. Moses sought peaceful passage through Amorite territory and made clear that Israel did not intend to plunder the inhabitants or seize their resources. The request reflected proper conduct toward neighboring peoples and confidence that the Lord would provide without Israel resorting to injustice or aggression. Gen 43:1-2 Now the famine was still severe in the land.… and water to drink Water was especially valuable in the dry lands east of the Jordan, where a large traveling population and its livestock required continual provision. Although the Lord had supplied Israel with water in the wilderness, they were willing to pay for what they received from settled communities. Physical water sustained Israel’s journey, while God’s provision throughout the wilderness testified that their ultimate life and security came from Him. Exo 17:2-6 So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water…”… in exchange for silver. Silver served as an accepted means of payment in ancient commerce. Israel’s offer of fair payment honored the property of others and removed any reasonable fear that the nation would consume the land’s resources without compensation. God’s people were to practice justice in ordinary dealings as well as in matters of worship and warfare. Gen 47:14-17 Joseph collected all the money to be found… Only let us pass through on foot, Moses requested nothing beyond safe transit along the established route. Israel was not asking to settle in Sihon’s land, but to continue toward Canaan according to God’s command. Their peaceful appeal exposed the needless hostility of Sihon, whose refusal and attack became the occasion for the Lord to give Israel victory over the Amorites. Peace was sincerely sought, yet Israel remained ready to obey God when conflict became unavoidable. Num 20:17-19 Please let us pass through your land. We will not… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe 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 ExchangeThe 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 20:14-21This 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.
People Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, ZamzummitesPlaces 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, ZeredTopics Drink, Drinking, Drunk, Eat, Eaten, Foot, Meat, Money, Needs, Pass, Price, Sell, SilverDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 2:28 4293 water 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 The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Section Chap. I. -iii. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 2:28 NIVDeuteronomy 2:28 NLT Deuteronomy 2:28 ESV Deuteronomy 2:28 NASB Deuteronomy 2:28 KJV Deuteronomy 2:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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