Deuteronomy 2:9
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 me
This 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
The instruction "Do not harass" comes from the Hebrew root "tsarar," meaning to distress or trouble. This command reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His specific plans for each. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, are to be left undisturbed, showing God's respect for familial ties and His broader plan for the nations. This teaches us about respecting boundaries and understanding that God's plans may involve leaving certain people or situations in His hands.

or provoke them to war
The word "provoke" comes from the Hebrew "garah," meaning to stir up or incite. This command against inciting war with Moab highlights God's desire for peace and His control over Israel's military actions. It serves as a reminder that not all battles are ours to fight and that sometimes restraint is a greater demonstration of faith and obedience.

for I will not give you any of their land as a possession
Here, God clearly states His will regarding territorial boundaries. The Hebrew word for "possession" is "yerushah," indicating an inheritance or permanent holding. This declaration underscores God's authority over the distribution of land and His specific promises to different peoples. It teaches us about contentment with God's provision and the importance of trusting His promises for our own inheritance.

because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession
The phrase "I have given" reflects God's sovereign will and His role as the ultimate grantor of land and blessings. "Ar" refers to a region in Moab, and the "descendants of Lot" are acknowledged as rightful heirs. This highlights God's faithfulness to His word and His recognition of historical and familial rights. It serves as a reminder of God's justice and the importance of honoring His covenants and the inheritances He establishes.

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 Sovereignty
God 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 19
This 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.
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
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
Ar, Attack, Battle, Bother, Contend, Descendants, Distress, Engage, Enmity, Harass, Heritage, Lot, Moab, Moabites, Possession, Provoke, Sons, Stir, Thyself, Vex, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:8

     5336   highway

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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