Deuteronomy 2:17

KJV

That the LORD spake unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

That the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me,

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD said to me,

American Standard Version

that Jehovah spake unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:17 serves as a concise but profoundly significant transitional statement within Moses' valedictory address to the Israelites, marking a pivotal moment of divine intervention and renewed instruction. It emphatically declares that the subsequent narrative and directives concerning Israel's interaction with the nations of Edom and Moab are not human counsel but direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh Himself, underscoring the divine origin and binding nature of the commands that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a crucial juncture in Moses' recounting of Israel's wilderness journey, specifically following the somber conclusion of the previous generation's demise, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:16](/deuteronomy/2-16 "Deuteronomy 2:16 - The End of a Generation"). Having described the long years of wandering and the perishing of the fighting men who had rebelled, Moses now pivots to new divine directives for the new generation poised to enter the Promised Land. [Deuteronomy 2:17](/deuteronomy/2-17 "Deuteronomy 2:17 - The LORD Spoke") acts as an immediate preface to God's specific instructions regarding Edom and Moab, establishing the divine authority for the commands that begin in [Deuteronomy 2:18](/deuteronomy/2-18 "Deuteronomy 2:18 - Instructions for Passing Edom"). It frames the subsequent narrative as direct divine communication, reinforcing the covenant relationship and God's ongoing guidance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers these speeches on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites are to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. The audience is primarily the new generation, those who grew up in the wilderness and did not witness the Exodus or the giving of the Law at Sinai firsthand. Moses' address, often called "the second law," serves to reiterate and expound upon the covenant, reminding this generation of God's faithfulness, their history, and their responsibilities as they prepare for nationhood in the land. Culturally, direct divine speech to a prophet like Moses was the supreme form of authority, validating all subsequent commands and ensuring their obedience. The instructions concerning Edom and Moab were critical for Israel's immediate future, as these nations were their kin (descendants of Esau and Lot, respectively) and occupied strategic territories.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by [Deuteronomy 2:17](/deuteronomy/2-17 "Deuteronomy 2:17 - The LORD Spoke") is **Divine Revelation and Authority**. The phrase "the LORD spake unto me" unequivocally establishes that the entire narrative and subsequent laws are founded on God's direct communication, not human wisdom or tradition. This emphasizes God's active, personal involvement in the history and destiny of Israel, reinforcing His role as the sovereign guide and lawgiver, a theme prevalent throughout the Pentateuch, from the initial call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abram") to the giving of the Law in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Another key theme is **God's Active Guidance and Providence**, demonstrating that God was not a distant deity but intimately involved in the Israelites' journey, leading them step by step and giving specific instructions for their interactions with other nations, a testament to His constant presence and guidance, as seen in the pillar of cloud and fire in [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God Leads Israel by Cloud and Fire"). Finally, the verse highlights **Moses' Role as Mediator and Prophet**, affirming his unique position as the divinely appointed conduit through whom God's word was conveyed to His people, reinforcing his prophetic authority as described in [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the personal covenant name of God, often rendered "LORD" in English translations. Its use here emphasizes the relational and covenantal nature of the communication. It is the same God who made promises to Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and established the covenant at Sinai. The use of this specific name underscores the faithfulness and authority of the God who is speaking.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dabber_):** The verb "dabber" (דָּבַר) signifies a direct, articulate, and intentional verbal communication. It is not a mere impression, a dream, or a vision, but a clear, spoken word. This emphasizes the clarity and authority of God's message to Moses, indicating a direct, personal encounter where God conveyed specific instructions. This form of communication establishes the divine origin and binding nature of the subsequent commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the LORD spake unto me":** This phrase immediately asserts the divine origin of the message that follows. Moses, the narrator and speaker, is explicitly stating that the words he is about to utter are not his own thoughts or decisions but a direct revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This establishes the ultimate authority and truthfulness of the instructions, grounding them in the very character and will of God. It also reinforces Moses' unique role as the divinely appointed mediator, receiving direct communication from God on behalf of the people.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word indicates that the following content is a direct quotation of God's words to Moses. It transitions from the declaration of divine speech to the content of that speech. It sets the stage for the specific commands and explanations that God gave Moses regarding Israel's conduct towards the Edomites and Moabites, ensuring that the audience understands they are hearing God's precise instructions, not Moses' interpretation or summary.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:17 primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, where the narrative voice (Moses) explicitly introduces the words of God as a direct quotation ("the LORD spake unto me, saying,"). This device immediately establishes the divine authority and veracity of the subsequent commands and narrative. It functions as a **Framing Device** within Moses' larger farewell address, signaling a shift from historical recounting to specific divine directives. The verse also utilizes **Authoritative Declaration**, as Moses, the divinely appointed leader, unequivocally states the source of his instructions, thereby lending indisputable weight and legitimacy to what he is about to convey to the new generation of Israelites. This declaration serves to underscore the covenantal nature of their relationship with Yahweh and the imperative of obedience to His revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:17, though brief, is profoundly significant because it grounds all of Moses' subsequent instructions in divine authority. It reminds the reader that the foundation of Israel's faith, their law, and their understanding of God's will comes from His direct, personal revelation. This verse underscores the active and communicative nature of God, who is not silent but intimately involved in the affairs of His people, guiding their steps and providing specific instructions for their journey through life and history. For the Israelites, this meant their entire national identity and future were predicated on heeding the voice of Yahweh. The principle of divine revelation as the basis for human conduct and national identity is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom and guidance originate from God.

* [Exodus 20:1](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1 - God Speaks the Ten Commandments")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:17 serves as a powerful reminder that the bedrock of our faith and the source of true guidance is God's revealed Word. Just as God spoke directly to Moses, providing clear and authoritative instructions for Israel's journey, so too has He provided us with His inspired Scriptures, which are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" ([2_timothy/3-16](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). This verse calls us to a posture of humility and attentiveness, recognizing that God's voice, though not always audible in the same way it was to Moses, is nonetheless accessible and authoritative through the Bible. It challenges us to actively seek and diligently heed God's instructions, knowing that His commands are not arbitrary but are for our good, our flourishing, and His glory. In a world filled with competing voices and confusing paths, the divine origin of God's Word offers an unwavering compass, ensuring that our steps are ordered by His wisdom and our lives aligned with His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture impact your approach to reading and obeying it?**
* **In what areas of your life are you most in need of specific, divinely-given instructions, and how can you seek them in God's Word?**
* **What does it mean for God to "speak" to us today, and how do we discern His voice amidst other influences?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a short verse like Deuteronomy 2:17 considered significant?**

Answer: Despite its brevity, [Deuteronomy 2:17](/deuteronomy/2-17 "Deuteronomy 2:17 - The LORD Spoke") is profoundly significant because it acts as a critical pivot point and an authoritative declaration. It explicitly states that the instructions and narrative that immediately follow are not Moses' own ideas or historical recollections, but direct, verbal communication from "the LORD" (Yahweh) Himself. This establishes the divine authority and binding nature of all subsequent commands and explanations regarding Israel's interactions with Edom and Moab. It underscores the theme of divine revelation as the foundation for Israel's laws and actions, reminding the new generation that their entire existence as a covenant people is predicated on God's active guidance and revealed will, as seen throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Sinai").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:17, with its emphasis on God's direct speech to Moses, foreshadows the ultimate and most complete revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. While God "spake unto" Moses and the prophets in various ways throughout the Old Testament, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son") declares that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the living Word of God, the perfect embodiment of divine communication, through whom God's character, will, and redemptive plan are fully revealed. The specific instructions given to Moses in [Deuteronomy 2:17](/deuteronomy/2-17 "Deuteronomy 2:17 - The LORD Spoke") were for the temporal guidance of Israel, but Christ's words and life provide eternal guidance for all humanity, leading to salvation and abundant life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Just as Israel was to heed Moses' divinely-inspired words, so too are believers called to listen to and obey the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), who perfectly mediates God's truth and grace to us, fulfilling the promise of a prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses")) and ushering in a new covenant based on His perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")).

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.