Deuteronomy 2:22

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:22 serves as a powerful historical precedent within Moses' discourse, illustrating God's sovereign power to orchestrate the destinies of nations. It recounts how the Lord dispossessed the Horims, the original inhabitants of Seir, to establish the descendants of Esau, the Edomites, in their place, a reality that persisted "even unto this day." This divine act of clearing the land for one people group to inherit from another provides a foundational assurance to Israel regarding God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises concerning their own inheritance of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2 is situated within Moses' final series of speeches to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter functions as a historical review, recounting the Israelites' journey from Kadesh-barnea and, crucially, detailing God's specific instructions regarding their interactions with the nations bordering Canaan. Verses 1-8 describe Israel's long detour around Edom. The immediate context, spanning verses 9-23, outlines God's explicit commands not to harass Moab, Ammon, or Edom, because He had already allotted their respective territories to them. Verse 22 specifically highlights the Edomites' settlement in Seir, drawing a direct parallel to God's provisions for Moab in [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab") and Ammon in [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon"). This consistent pattern of divine land allocation serves as a profound theological and historical backdrop, setting the stage for Israel's own impending conquest and offering a powerful precedent for God's faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning their inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Horims (or Horites) were an ancient, pre-Edomite people group, identified in [Genesis 14:6](/genesis/14-6 "Genesis 14:6 - The Horites Defeated by Chedorlaomer") as the original inhabitants of Seir, a rugged, mountainous region located south of the Dead Sea. This territory later became synonymous with the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The displacement of indigenous populations by new, often more powerful, groups was a common geopolitical reality in the ancient Near East. However, Moses' reference to God's direct and active involvement in this displacement elevates the event beyond mere human conflict. It underscores a fundamental theological principle: God's absolute sovereignty over the geopolitical landscape, determining the boundaries and destinies of all nations. The phrase "even unto this day" functions as a historical marker, confirming the long-standing and established presence of the Edomites in Seir, thereby lending contemporary credibility and weight to Moses' historical account for his original audience, who would have observed this reality firsthand.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Deuteronomy. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that God is not confined to being merely the God of Israel, but is the ultimate ruler who orchestrates the rise and fall of all peoples, meticulously determining their boundaries and destinies. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Faithfulness and Consistency**. The past acts of God on behalf of other nations, such as establishing the Edomites in Seir, serve as an undeniable guarantee for Israel. If God faithfully fulfilled His word for the descendants of Esau, He will assuredly fulfill His covenant promise to His chosen people, Israel, regarding their own land inheritance, as first pledged to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Lastly, the verse provides a crucial **Historical Precedent for Israel's Conquest**, building confidence in the Israelites for their own impending battles. The divinely orchestrated dispossession of the Horims assures Israel that God will likewise clear the way for them to possess the land flowing with milk and honey, as described in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - Description of the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _shamad'_):** This verb (H8045) signifies a complete annihilation, extirpation, or utter removal. It denotes God's decisive, thorough, and active intervention in clearing the land of the Horims. It implies more than a mere defeat; it is a divinely orchestrated eradication to make way for the Edomites, emphasizing the totality and finality of God's action.
* **Succeeded (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means to occupy (by driving out previous tenants), to dispossess, inherit, or take possession of. In this context, it indicates a complete transfer of ownership and dwelling rights. The Edomites did not merely co-exist; they fully replaced the Horims, demonstrating the permanence and effectiveness of God's sovereign action in establishing them in the land.
* **Horims (Hebrew, _Chôrîy'_):** This noun (H2752) refers to the Horites, described as "cave-dwellers" or "troglodytes," who were the aboriginal inhabitants of Idumaea (Seir). Their specific mention highlights that even established populations, however ancient or entrenched in a region, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and power to displace them for the fulfillment of His greater purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir":** This opening clause establishes a direct parallel and foundational comparison. Moses reminds the Israelites of God's past, decisive action on behalf of the Edomites (descendants of Esau), who had successfully established their dwelling in the mountainous region of Seir. This serves as a tangible, observable example of God's power and faithfulness to other nations.
* **"when he destroyed the Horims from before them":** This specifies the divine intervention. The Lord Himself actively and completely removed the indigenous Horite inhabitants from the land. The emphasis is squarely on God as the primary agent of dispossession, rather than solely on the Edomites' military prowess, underscoring His ultimate authority.
* **"and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day":** This concludes the account by describing the lasting and observable outcome of God's action. The Edomites not only dispossessed the Horims but permanently settled and established themselves in their place. The phrase "even unto this day" functions as an historical attestation, confirming the enduring reality and tangible result of God's sovereign work for Moses' contemporary audience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Deuteronomy 2:22 is **Analogy** or **Precedent**. Moses strategically uses God's past dealings with the Edomites as a direct parallel and powerful illustration of what God intends to do for Israel. This serves to build **Confidence** and **Assurance** in the Israelites, demonstrating God's consistent character and power to fulfill His promises. The phrase "even unto this day" functions as an **Historical Marker** or **Anachronism**, grounding the narrative in the present reality of Moses' audience and validating the historical truth of the account. Furthermore, the repetition of the pattern of dispossession and settlement across multiple nations (Moab, Ammon, and Edom) creates a powerful **Thematic Parallelism**, reinforcing the overarching message of God's sovereign control over land and nations, and His unwavering faithfulness to His divine plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:22 profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in the affairs of all nations, not exclusively Israel. It underscores His foundational role as the ultimate dispossessor and land-giver, demonstrating His meticulous orchestration of the rise and fall of peoples according to His comprehensive divine plan. This consistency in His character and actions provides a profound theological basis for Israel's trust in His promises regarding their own inheritance. It teaches that God is absolutely faithful to His word, fully capable of clearing any obstacle for the fulfillment of His purposes, and that His historical acts serve as an irrefutable guarantee for His future intentions.
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "God Dispossessing Nations for Israel")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God Determining Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to contemplate the immense and all-encompassing scope of God's sovereignty. If God actively orchestrated the settlement of nations like Edom, clearing the way for them through divine intervention, how much more can we confidently trust Him to guide our individual paths, remove obstacles, and fulfill His promises in our lives? When we face seemingly insurmountable challenges—whether personal struggles, spiritual strongholds, or complex societal issues—Deuteronomy 2:22 serves as a powerful reminder that God is fully capable of "destroying" whatever stands in the way of His righteous purposes. It calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding rest in His providence, knowing that His plans are utterly sure and His power is limitless. Our faith is not to be placed in our own strength, wisdom, or strategic abilities, but rather in the God who establishes and dispossesses according to His perfect and immutable will, ensuring that His people ultimately inherit what He has graciously prepared for them. This historical account encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and fix our gaze upon the faithful, powerful God who is perpetually at work, clearing paths and bringing His eternal designs to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, deepen your personal trust in His overarching plans for your own life and the world?**
* **What "Horims" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life or circumstances currently challenge your faith, and how does this verse encourage you to rely on God's power to clear the way?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, live with a greater, more tangible awareness of God's active involvement in the unfolding of history and current events, both globally and personally?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Horims, and why is their destruction significant?**

Answer: The Horims (or Horites) were an ancient people group who were the original inhabitants of the mountainous region of Seir, which later became the territory of Edom. They are mentioned as early as [Genesis 14:6](/genesis/14-6 "Genesis 14:6 - The Horites Defeated by Chedorlaomer") as being among the peoples defeated by Chedorlaomer and his allies. Their destruction, explicitly attributed to God's direct action in Deuteronomy 2:22, is profoundly significant because it serves as a powerful historical precedent for Israel. Just as God cleared the land for the Edomites, He demonstrated His sovereign power and ability to dispossess established peoples. This act reassures Israel that God will likewise clear the Canaanites from their promised land, fulfilling His covenant, as detailed in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land"). It underscores God's absolute control over the destinies and territories of all nations, showing that no people group is beyond His divine prerogative to establish or remove for His greater purposes.

**How does this verse relate to God's promise of land to Israel?**

Answer: This verse is a crucial piece of Moses' argument designed to bolster Israel's faith and confidence before their imminent entry into Canaan. By recounting how God dispossessed the Horims for the Edomites, and similarly provided for Moab in [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab") and Ammon in [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon"), Moses establishes a clear and consistent pattern of divine action. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and immense power in allocating territories to nations according to His will. Therefore, if God did this for other nations, He will certainly do it for His chosen people, Israel, ensuring they succeed in taking possession of the land flowing with milk and honey, as described in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promised Land"), which He promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). This historical account removes any lingering doubt about God's ability or willingness to fulfill His covenant with Israel, providing a robust theological and historical foundation for their confidence in the impending conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:22, by showcasing God's sovereign power to dispossess and establish nations, powerfully points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament narratives detail the physical inheritance of land for a specific nation, the New Testament reveals a spiritual inheritance in Christ, a new creation and a heavenly kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries. Just as God cleared the land for the Edomites and promised to do so for Israel, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, "destroyed" the power of sin and death, as affirmed in [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the Power of Death"). This decisive victory cleared the way for all who believe to inherit eternal life and become citizens of a heavenly kingdom, as described in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven"). The "unto this day" permanence of Edom's dwelling foreshadows the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God established by Christ, a reality highlighted in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"). Ultimately, the divine power to dispossess and establish, seen in Deuteronomy, finds its climactic and universal expression in Christ's triumph over all opposing spiritual powers, securing an inheritance not just for a physical nation, but for all who are united to Him, the true Seed of Abraham, as revealed in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham"). Through Christ, believers are granted an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, meticulously kept in heaven for them, as beautifully articulated in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance").

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

Genesis 36:8

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

Genesis 36:20

¶ 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.