Deuteronomy 2:13

KJV

Now rise up, [said I], and get you over the brook Zered. And we went over the brook Zered.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now rise up {H6965}, said I, and get you over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Zered {H2218}. And we went over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Zered {H2218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Now get going, and cross Vadi Zered!' "So we crossed Vadi Zered.

Berean Standard Bible

“Now arise and cross over the Brook of Zered.” So we crossed over the Brook of Zered.

American Standard Version

Now rise up, and get you over the brook Zered. And we went over the brook Zered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:13 marks a critical turning point in Israel's wilderness journey, signifying the divinely commanded end of a 38-year period of wandering and judgment and the commencement of their final advance toward the Promised Land. This verse highlights the renewed obedience of the new generation as they cross the brook Zered, a geographical and symbolic boundary, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the previous generation's rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:13 is embedded within Moses's retrospective address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before they enter Canaan. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 2:1-12) recount the Israelites' long detour around Edom and Moab, emphasizing God's command to not engage these nations in conflict, as their land was not part of Israel's inheritance. This command to cross the Zered follows a period of stagnation and wandering (Deuteronomy 2:1-3) and immediately precedes the account of the final elimination of the rebellious generation (Deuteronomy 2:14-15) and the subsequent encounters with the Amorites. The verse serves as a narrative pivot, transitioning from the consequences of past disobedience to the renewed march towards their destiny, underscoring the theme of God's patient guidance and the nation's readiness for a new phase.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The 38 years of wandering since Kadesh-barnea (Deuteronomy 2:14) were a direct result of Israel's rebellion and lack of faith following the negative report of the spies (Numbers 13-14). During this prolonged period, the entire generation of fighting men who had refused to enter the Promised Land, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, had died off, fulfilling God's judgment (Numbers 14:29-35). The "brook Zered" (Wadi al-Hasa) was a significant wadi (seasonal riverbed) that served as a natural border, likely between Moab and Edom. Crossing it marked a definitive geographical and chronological boundary, signifying the end of the punitive wilderness wandering and the beginning of the final, purposeful advance into the land of Canaan. Culturally, this act of crossing a boundary often carried symbolic weight, representing a transition from one state or phase to another.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:13 powerfully encapsulates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Command and Obedience**, as God's clear instruction to "rise up" and cross the brook is met with immediate compliance by the Israelites, a stark contrast to the disobedience that characterized their predecessors' generation (compare with [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh")). Secondly, the verse signifies the **End of an Era and a New Beginning**. The crossing of Zered definitively closes the chapter of wilderness judgment and marks a fresh start for the nation, now purged of the rebellious generation and poised to inherit the land God promised. This transition is a powerful symbol of moving forward from past failures into God's future plans, echoing the broader narrative of redemption and restoration. Thirdly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Perfect Timing**. Even after decades of wandering due to human sin, God remains steadfast to His covenant promises. He guides His people, providing the precise command and timing for their next move, ensuring they are prepared to fulfill His purpose, a testament to His patient leading and testing in the wilderness as described in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Leading and Testing in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up (קוּם, _qum'_):** This Hebrew verb is an imperative, conveying a direct command for action, often implying a change of posture or state from rest to activity. Here, it signifies a divine summons to cease stagnation and initiate forward movement. It's not merely a physical act but a spiritual and national call to shake off the lethargy and consequences of the past and embrace a new, purposeful direction. It implies readiness and a decisive break from the previous state.
* **Brook Zered (נַחַל זֶרֶד, _nachal Zered'_):** The term "nachal" refers to a wadi, a seasonal riverbed that is typically dry for much of the year but can become a torrent during the rainy season. Geographically, it served as a significant natural boundary, likely separating the territory of Moab from Edom. Symbolically, its crossing represents a definitive demarcation point—the physical and temporal boundary marking the end of the 38-year period of judgment and the beginning of the final phase of the journey towards the Promised Land. It is a tangible marker of transition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now rise up, [said I], and get you over the brook Zered."**: This clause presents Moses relaying God's direct and urgent command to the Israelites. The phrase "rise up" is an imperative, demanding immediate and decisive action. It signifies an end to their prolonged encampment and wandering, initiating a new, purposeful phase of their journey. The command to "get you over the brook Zered" specifies the immediate objective and the geographical boundary they are to cross, marking a clear break from their past trajectory. This is a divine imperative for forward movement and transition.
* **"And we went over the brook Zered."**: This clause records the immediate and collective obedience of the Israelites to the divine command. The use of "we" signifies the unity and collective action of the entire nation, particularly the new generation. The successful crossing of the brook Zered confirms their compliance and the tangible transition from the period of judgment and aimless wandering to a new era of purposeful progression toward their inheritance. This simple statement of fact underscores the effectiveness of God's command and Israel's renewed willingness to follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "brook Zered" serving as a powerful symbol. It is not merely a geographical feature but represents the boundary between the past era of divine judgment and the future era of promised inheritance. Crossing it symbolizes leaving behind the consequences of rebellion and stepping into a new season of God's favor and purpose. The **Divine Imperative** ("rise up") emphasizes God's active role in guiding His people and initiating their next steps, highlighting His sovereignty and the necessity of human obedience. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "the brook Zered" within the short verse underscores its importance as a critical landmark and a pivotal moment in the narrative, cementing its significance in the reader's mind. The concise, declarative statement of action ("And we went over...") creates a sense of **Narrative Progression** and decisive movement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:13 illustrates profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It underscores that even in the midst of divine judgment for sin, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises endures. The 38 years of wandering were a consequence of disobedience, yet God did not abandon His people. Instead, He patiently waited for a new generation to rise, then commanded them to move forward, demonstrating His redemptive purpose. This transition from stagnation to purposeful movement, from judgment to renewed opportunity, reflects God's desire for His people to always be advancing in His will, leaving behind the old patterns of sin and embracing new life and obedience. It teaches that God's grace often manifests as a call to action, to "rise up" and cross the boundaries that separate us from His intended path.

* [Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14-17 "Joshua 3:14-17 - The Crossing of the Jordan River")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - God Does a New Thing")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:13 offers a compelling spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as Israel was commanded to "rise up" and cross the brook Zered, we too are often called by God to move past periods of stagnation, past failures, or difficult seasons in our lives. This verse encourages us to recognize when God is signaling an end to a particular phase and calling us into a new one. It's a call to leave behind the "wilderness" of past mistakes, limiting beliefs, or unproductive habits, and to step with faith and obedience into the new opportunities and directions God has prepared for us. It underscores the vital importance of listening to God's precise instructions and trusting His timing, even when the path ahead requires courage and a willingness to leave the familiar behind. Our spiritual journey is not meant for endless wandering but for purposeful progression towards God's ultimate design for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "brook Zered" might God be calling you to "rise up" and cross in your life today, signifying an end to a past season or a transition to a new one?**
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced a period of "wandering" or stagnation, and how might God be calling you to move forward in obedience?**
* **How does the Israelites' immediate obedience to cross the Zered challenge or encourage your own response to God's commands?**
* **What past failures or consequences are you holding onto that God might be inviting you to leave behind as you step into His new purposes?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "brook Zered" in the narrative?**

Answer: The "brook Zered" (Wadi al-Hasa) is significant both geographically and symbolically. Geographically, it was a natural boundary, likely separating the territories of Moab and Edom, marking a distinct point in Israel's journey. Symbolically, its crossing represented the definitive end of the 38-year period of wilderness wandering that was a consequence of Israel's disobedience at Kadesh-barnea (see [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")). It marked the transition from a time of divine judgment and aimless movement to a new phase of purposeful progression towards the Promised Land, signifying a fresh start for the new generation.

**Why did the Israelites wander for 38 years before crossing the Zered?**

Answer: The 38 years of wandering, which concluded at the crossing of the Zered, were a direct consequence of the previous generation's rebellion and lack of faith. After the spies returned from Canaan with a negative report (see [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan")), the people grumbled against God and refused to enter the Promised Land. As a result, God decreed that all the fighting men of that generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness, and their children would wander for 40 years, one year for each day the spies explored the land (see [Numbers 14:33-35](/numbers/14-33-35 "Numbers 14:33-35 - The Consequence of Rebellion")). The crossing of the Zered marked the point where this period of punitive wandering effectively ended, as the rebellious generation had finally passed away.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:13, with its emphasis on the end of an old era of judgment and the beginning of a new journey into promised inheritance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "brook Zered" serves as a powerful type of the boundary crossed through Christ's work. Humanity, like the rebellious generation of Israel, was under a sentence of judgment due to sin, wandering aimlessly in spiritual wilderness, dead in trespasses and sins (compare [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sin")). Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, became the ultimate "crossing over" point. His crucifixion marked the definitive end of the old covenant era, the curse of the Law, and the power of sin over those who believe (see [Romans 6:4-6](/romans/6-4-6 "Romans 6:4-6 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). Just as the new generation of Israel was called to "rise up" and enter a new land, Christ calls us to "rise up" to newness of life, having been crucified with Him and now living by faith in Him (see [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the means to cross from death to life, from judgment to grace, and from a wilderness of spiritual wandering into the true rest and inheritance found in Him (see [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). He fulfills the promise of a new creation, where the old has passed away, and the new has come (see [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")), leading us not merely to a physical land but to an eternal spiritual inheritance in God's presence.

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

Numbers 21:12

From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared.

Numbers 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.