Deuteronomy 2:12

KJV

The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Horims {H2752} also dwelt {H3427} in Seir {H8165} beforetime {H6440}; but the children {H1121} of Esau {H6215} succeeded {H3423} them, when they had destroyed {H8045} them from before {H6440} them, and dwelt {H3427} in their stead; as Israel {H3478} did {H6213} unto the land {H776} of his possession {H3425}, which the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

In Se'ir the Horim used to live, but the descendants of 'Esav dispossessed and destroyed them, settling in their place. Isra'el did similarly in the land it came to possess, which ADONAI gave to them.)

Berean Standard Bible

The Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land that the LORD gave them as their possession.)

American Standard Version

The Horites also dwelt in Seir aforetime, but the children of Esau succeeded them; and they destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which Jehovah gave unto them).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:12 serves as a profound historical and theological parallel within Moses' address to the new generation of Israelites, offering both encouragement and a divine precedent for their impending conquest of Canaan. It meticulously details how God's sovereign hand dispossessed the Horims from Seir and granted that land to the Edomites, drawing a direct and explicit comparison to Israel's future, divinely-ordained inheritance of the Promised Land. This verse powerfully underscores God's active involvement in human history, His absolute authority over national territories, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring Israel that their success in Canaan would be a direct result of His empowering presence, just as He had enabled others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:12 is strategically placed within Moses' extensive retrospective discourse to the second generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter Canaan. Specifically, it functions as a crucial parenthetical explanation (Deuteronomy 2:1-23) within the narrative recounting Israel's journey from Kadesh-barnea. Moses emphasizes God's explicit command for Israel not to provoke or conquer the Edomites (descendants of Esau), Moabites, or Ammonites, as God had already allotted their respective territories to them. This verse, therefore, clarifies *why* Israel was to respect Edomite territory by presenting a direct analogy between Edom's past conquest and Israel's future one. It immediately follows the directive to buy food and water from the Edomites ([Deuteronomy 2:6](/deuteronomy/2-6 "Deuteronomy 2:6 - Buying from Edomites")) and precedes the detailed account of God's miraculous provision for Israel in the wilderness ([Deuteronomy 2:7](/deuteronomy/2-7 "Deuteronomy 2:7 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")). Its inclusion serves to bolster Israel's confidence in God's ability and intention to grant them their own land, even as they are commanded to bypass other nations whose inheritances were equally divinely ordained.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Horims (or Horites) were an ancient, pre-Israelite people group prominently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly associated with the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, which would later become Edom. They are identified as early inhabitants of the land, existing even before the time of Abraham ([Genesis 14:6](/genesis/14-6 "Genesis 14:6 - The Horites in El-Paran")). The "children of Esau" refers to the Edomites, who were direct descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Their displacement of the Horims from Seir and subsequent settlement there is presented as a well-known historical fact, recognized by Moses and his audience. This historical precedent was profoundly significant because land ownership and national legitimacy in the ancient Near East were often understood as tied to divine grant or conquest legitimized by a deity. By highlighting the Edomites' successful dispossession of the Horims, Moses grounds Israel's future conquest in a similar divine pattern, reassuring them that their actions would be divinely sanctioned and successful, not merely an act of human aggression. The cultural understanding of "holy war" or divinely-mandated conquest would have resonated deeply with the Israelites, providing a theological framework for their understanding of God's command to possess Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:12 powerfully illustrates several foundational themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Land Allocation**. God is presented as the ultimate arbiter of national boundaries and territorial ownership. This is explicitly seen in His giving Mount Seir to Esau's descendants ([Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - God's Grant of Seir to Esau")) and His unwavering intention to give Canaan to Israel ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - Command to Possess the Land")). This challenges any notion of purely human conquest, rooting all legitimate territorial claims in God's decree. Second, the verse establishes a crucial **Precedent for Israel's Conquest**. By drawing a direct parallel ("as Israel did"), Moses provides a tangible, historical example of God enabling a people to conquer and inhabit a land, thereby bolstering Israel's faith and courage for their own formidable task of dispossessing the Canaanites. This served as a powerful assurance that the LORD would similarly empower Israel to [possess their promised inheritance](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - Command to Possess the Land"). Finally, the verse speaks profoundly to the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**. The land of Canaan was not merely a conquest but "his possession, which the LORD gave unto them," directly fulfilling the ancient covenant promises made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants and their inheritance of the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). This reinforces God's faithfulness to His word across generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Horims (Hebrew, _Chôrîy'_):** This term (H2752) refers to the Horites, an ancient people group identified as aboriginal Idumaeans or "cave-dwellers." Their presence in the narrative highlights the long-standing history of the land and the fact that its inhabitants were subject to divine re-allocation, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all earthly territories and their occupants.
* **succeeded (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This primitive root (H3423) is rich in meaning, encompassing "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," "to rob," or "to inherit." In this context, it signifies a complete and decisive act of taking over the land and its resources from the Horims, implying not just temporary occupation but the establishment of permanent ownership, often through the forceful removal or destruction of previous inhabitants.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâmad'_):** This powerful primitive root (H8045) means "to desolate," "to destroy," "to bring to nought," or "to overthrow." Its use here emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of the Edomite conquest. It indicates a complete eradication or removal of the Horims from their former position of power and presence in Seir, leaving no doubt about the absolute nature of the Edomites' succession and the divine sanction behind it.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime;":** This opening clause establishes the historical backdrop, identifying the original inhabitants of the region of Seir (Edom) as the Horims. The phrase "beforetime" (H6440, _pânîym'_) emphasizes that their dwelling was prior to the Edomites' arrival, setting up the subsequent narrative of displacement and highlighting the antiquity of the land's occupation.
* **"but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead;":** This crucial section describes the Edomite conquest and settlement. "The children of Esau" (H1121, _bên_ H6215, _ʻÊsâv'_, the Edomites) are the divinely appointed agents of change. The verbs "succeeded" (H3423, _yârash'_) and "destroyed" (H8045, _shâmad'_) highlight the forceful, complete, and divinely sanctioned nature of their takeover. "Destroyed them from before them" emphasizes the total removal or annihilation of the Horims as a distinct, occupying entity in that land, leading to the Edomites dwelling "in their stead," meaning they fully replaced them as the dominant inhabitants.
* **"as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.":** This concluding clause provides the profound theological and practical punch of the verse. It draws a direct, explicit analogy between the Edomite conquest of Seir and Israel's impending conquest of Canaan. The phrase "as Israel did" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) is a prophetic perfect, speaking of a future event as if it has already occurred, signifying its absolute certainty and divine decree. The land is emphatically called "his possession" (H3425, _yᵉrushshâh'_, Israel's inheritance) and, critically, "which the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) gave (H5414, _nâthan'_) unto them," underscoring that Israel's future conquest is not merely human aggression but a divinely ordained act of receiving a promised inheritance from the sovereign God.

#### Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs **Analogy** and **Precedent** as its central literary devices. By detailing the historical event of the Edomites dispossessing the Horims and settling in Seir, Moses establishes a clear parallel to Israel's own divinely mandated conquest of Canaan. This analogy functions as a powerful form of **Encouragement** and **Assurance**, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of sovereignly granting and reallocating territory to His chosen peoples. The use of the **Prophetic Perfect** tense ("as Israel did") for a future event (Israel's conquest) serves as a potent rhetorical device, conveying the **Certainty** and **Divine Decree** of Israel's success, presenting it as an accomplished fact in God's plan. Furthermore, the strong, active verbs like "succeeded" and "destroyed" contribute to the **Forcefulness** and **Decisiveness** of the described actions, setting a clear expectation for the nature of Israel's own divinely empowered conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:12 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign control over nations and their territories. It reveals that the allocation of land is not a matter of human might alone, but ultimately a divine prerogative. By presenting the Edomite conquest of Seir as a historical precedent, Moses subtly yet powerfully reinforces the legitimacy and certainty of Israel's own impending conquest of Canaan. This verse underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He is actively involved in history to bring His purposes to pass, whether through the descendants of Esau or the descendants of Jacob. It assures Israel that their inheritance is a gift from the LORD, not merely a prize to be won by their own strength, thus fostering dependence on divine power rather than human prowess. This divine pattern of dispossessing and possessing highlights God's justice and His ultimate authority over all creation.

* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land")
* [Joshua 1:3-6](/joshua/1-3-6 "God's Promise to Joshua for Conquest")
* [Psalm 44:1-3](/psalm/44-1-3 "God's Hand in Israel's Conquest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:12, while rooted in ancient history, offers enduring lessons for believers today, inviting us to contemplate God's active and sovereign hand in all of history, both past and present. Just as He orchestrated the displacement of the Horims and the settlement of the Edomites, and just as He promised and delivered the land to Israel, so too does He meticulously work in our lives and in the world according to His immutable divine purposes. This verse profoundly encourages us to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable or the path unclear. It reminds us that our "possessions"—whether spiritual blessings, divine callings, or unique opportunities—are ultimately gifts from the Lord, requiring our faithful stewardship and absolute reliance on His empowering presence. We are called to step out in faith, knowing that the Lord who has gone before us and provided for others will also equip us for the tasks He sets before us, enabling us to "succeed" and "dwell in His stead" in the spiritual battles and inheritances He has prepared for us in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in historical land allocation impact your view of His control over your personal circumstances and future today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for "possession" or "inheritance" that currently seems daunting or impossible to attain?**
* **How does the historical precedent of God empowering others to fulfill His purposes encourage you in your own spiritual journey, particularly when facing challenges or pursuing your calling?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Horims in this verse?**

Answer: The Horims (or Horites) were the indigenous inhabitants of Seir before the Edomites. Their mention is significant because it establishes a historical precedent for the concept of divine land reallocation and the dispossessing of one people by another through God's will. By showing that God allowed the Edomites to dispossess and replace the Horims, Moses provides a tangible, historical example that legitimizes Israel's own divinely-sanctioned conquest of Canaan. It demonstrates that God, as the ultimate sovereign, has the authority to grant and re-grant territories as He wills, underscoring that Israel's inheritance is not an arbitrary act of aggression but a fulfillment of God's promise and a demonstration of His cosmic authority ([Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - God's Grant of Seir to Esau")).

**Why does Moses compare Israel's conquest to that of the Edomites?**

Answer: Moses draws this comparison primarily to encourage and assure the Israelites, who were about to face formidable enemies in Canaan. The task of conquest seemed immense. By pointing to the Edomites' successful displacement of the Horims, Moses provides a concrete, historical example that God empowers nations to take possession of land He has allotted to them. This analogy served to bolster Israel's faith, reminding them that their success would be a direct result of God's enabling power, just as He had enabled Esau's descendants. It frames Israel's impending conquest not merely as a military campaign but as a divinely-ordained act of receiving a promised inheritance ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - Command to Possess the Land")).

**Does this verse justify all conquests or land claims?**

Answer: No, this verse does not justify all conquests or land claims. It speaks specifically to a unique, divinely-mandated historical event within God's covenant relationship with Israel. The land of Canaan was promised to Abraham's descendants by a specific, unilateral covenant ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The Edomite example is cited as a *precedent* of God's sovereign power to allocate land, not a universal template for human aggression or territorial claims. The broader context of Deuteronomy emphasizes that Israel's conquest was a specific act of judgment against the wicked inhabitants of Canaan and a fulfillment of God's promise to His chosen people, distinct from general human warfare or territorial expansion. This divine command was unique and not to be generalized.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:12, while rooted in an ancient historical precedent for physical land possession, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Christ. The physical land of Canaan, given to Israel as a "possession" and inheritance, foreshadows the far greater spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as the Horims were dispossessed for the Edomites, and the Canaanites were to be dispossessed for Israel, Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, has decisively dispossessed the powers of darkness, sin, and death, opening the way for His people to inherit eternal life and boundless spiritual blessings. He is the true "possessor" and conqueror who has triumphed over all spiritual enemies, enabling us to "dwell in His stead" in the new creation. The assurance given to Israel that the LORD would empower them to take their land finds its ultimate reality in the New Covenant: believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in the spiritual "land" of God's kingdom, a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Our inheritance is not a physical territory but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and a "heavenly country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Heavenly Country")). The ultimate "destruction" of opposing forces and the "succeeding" in their place is accomplished by Christ on the cross, securing for us an eternal and unshakable inheritance, having "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 2:22

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

Genesis 14:6

And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which [is] by the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 2:32

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

Numbers 21:21

¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

Numbers 21:35

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Genesis 36:20

¶ These [are] the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,