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:

As he did {H6213} to the children {H1121} of Esau {H6215}, which dwelt {H3427} in Seir {H8165}, when he destroyed {H8045} the Horims {H2752} from before {H6440} them; and they succeeded {H3423} them, and dwelt {H3427} in their stead even unto this day {H3117}:

just as he destroyed the Horim as descendants of 'Esav advanced into Se'ir and settled in their place, where they live to this day.

just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.

as he did for the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day.

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Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 2:22 is part of Moses' retrospective address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses recounts their journey from Kadesh-barnea and God's specific instructions regarding their interactions with the nations bordering Canaan. The verse highlights God's past actions in establishing other nations, specifically the Edomites (descendants of Esau) in Seir. This serves as a powerful precedent, reinforcing God's sovereignty over all lands and peoples, and assuring Israel that He will likewise fulfill His promise to them regarding the land of Canaan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Provision: The verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate dispossessor and giver of land. Just as He cleared the way for the Edomites by destroying the Horims, He will do the same for Israel in Canaan. This underscores God's active involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His plans for nations.
  • God's Consistency: The account of the Edomites' settlement in Seir parallels the stories of the Moabites and Ammonites receiving their territories from God (Deuteronomy 2:9-12, 19-21). This pattern assures Israel that God's power and faithfulness in giving them their promised inheritance are unwavering.
  • Historical Precedent for Israel's Conquest: By showing how God established other nations, Moses builds confidence in Israel for their own impending conquest. If God provided for the descendants of Esau and Lot, He will certainly provide for His chosen people, Israel, in their pursuit of the land flowing with milk and honey.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Horims" (or Horites) refers to the original inhabitants of Seir, a mountainous region associated with the Edomites. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" (ืฉืึธืžึทื“ - shamad) implies a complete annihilation or extirpation, indicating God's decisive action in clearing the land for the Edomites. The phrase "succeeded them" (ื•ึทื™ึผึดื™ืจึธืฉืึปื - vayyirashum) means they dispossessed them and took possession of their inheritance, signifying a complete transfer of ownership and dwelling rights.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:22 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. His promises are sure, and His plans will be accomplished. For believers today, this verse offers encouragement that God is sovereign over circumstances, providing for His people and guiding their paths, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It calls us to trust in His providence and to recognize that He is capable of clearing the way for His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives, just as He did for the Edomites and promised to do for Israel.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 36:8

    Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau [is] Edom.

  • Genesis 36:20

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

  • Genesis 36:30

    Duke Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan: these [are] the dukes [that came] of Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir.

  • Deuteronomy 2:12

    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.

  • Genesis 14:6

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

  • 1 Chronicles 1:38

    And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:42

    The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, [and] Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.
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