Then the LORD said to me, "Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession." Then the LORD said to meThis phrase introduces divine communication, emphasizing the direct interaction between God and Moses. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This direct speech underscores the personal relationship God maintains with His chosen leader, Moses, and by extension, His people. It reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and being attentive to His guidance in our lives. Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war for I will not give you any of their land as a possession because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who guides and commands His people. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who receives and communicates God's instructions. 3. Moabites A people descended from Lot, living in the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. 4. Ar A region or city in Moab given to the descendants of Lot. 5. Lot Nephew of Abraham, whose descendants include the Moabites and Ammonites. Teaching Points Respect for God's SovereigntyGod has established boundaries and possessions for nations according to His divine plan. We must respect His decisions and trust His wisdom. Peaceful Coexistence The Israelites were instructed not to provoke the Moabites, teaching us the importance of seeking peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict with others. Recognition of God's Provision Just as God provided for the descendants of Lot, He provides for all His people. We should be content with what God has given us and not covet what belongs to others. Obedience to God's Commands Moses' adherence to God's instructions regarding Moab demonstrates the importance of obedience, even when it might seem counterintuitive or challenging. Understanding Our Heritage Knowing the history and relationships between biblical figures and nations helps us understand God's unfolding plan and our place within it. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the origins of the Moabites and their relationship to Lot help us comprehend God's command in Deuteronomy 2:9?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of respecting God's sovereignty over nations and boundaries in our personal lives today? 3. How does the instruction to avoid conflict with the Moabites inform our approach to dealing with difficult relationships or situations? 4. What can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's command regarding the Moabites, and how can we apply this lesson to our own walk with God? 5. How does the concept of God providing specific lands to different peoples challenge or affirm your understanding of His provision and care for all His creation? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19This chapter provides the background of Lot and the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites, explaining why God gave them specific lands. Numbers 21 Describes Israel's journey and interactions with neighboring nations, providing context for their approach to Moab. Psalm 83 Lists Moab among the nations conspiring against Israel, showing the ongoing tension and God's sovereignty over these nations. Acts 17 Highlights God's sovereignty in determining the times and boundaries of nations, reflecting His control over the land allocations mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:9.
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 Ar, Attack, Battle, Bother, Contend, Descendants, Distress, Engage, Enmity, Harass, Heritage, Lot, Moab, Moabites, Possession, Provoke, Sons, Stir, Thyself, Vex, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 2:8Library 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 2:9 NIVDeuteronomy 2:9 NLT Deuteronomy 2:9 ESV Deuteronomy 2:9 NASB Deuteronomy 2:9 KJV Deuteronomy 2:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |