Deuteronomy 2:28

KJV

Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt sell {H7666} me meat {H400} for money {H3701}, that I may eat {H398}; and give {H5414} me water {H4325} for money {H3701}, that I may drink {H8354}: only I will pass through {H5674} on my feet {H7272};

Complete Jewish Bible

You will sell me food to eat for money and give me water to drink for money. I only want to pass through.

Berean Standard Bible

You can sell us food to eat and water to drink in exchange for silver. Only let us pass through on foot,

American Standard Version

Thou shalt sell me food for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only let me pass through on my feet;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:28 records Moses' diplomatic overture to the Edomites, descendants of Esau, as the Israelites sought peaceful transit through their ancestral territory on their journey toward the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates Israel's commitment to respectful engagement, offering to purchase all necessary provisions—food and water—and explicitly promising a direct, non-interfering passage "on my feet." It underscores a divine directive for peaceful coexistence with kin nations, highlighting Israel's integrity and reliance on God's provision even amidst their wilderness wanderings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:28 is situated within Moses' recounting of Israel's wilderness journey, specifically detailing their approach to the land of Canaan after forty years of wandering. Chapters 1-3 of Deuteronomy serve as a historical prologue, reviewing the crucial events from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. This verse falls within the narrative of Israel's circumvention of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, nations with whom God had commanded Israel not to engage in conflict, as their lands had been divinely allotted to them (cf. [Deuteronomy 2:4-6](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-6 - God's Command Regarding Edom")). Moses' request for passage, offering payment for supplies, demonstrates Israel's obedience to this divine directive for peaceful and respectful interaction, contrasting sharply with their later confrontation with Sihon, king of Heshbon, who refused similar terms ([Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - Defeat of Sihon")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them kin to the Israelites. Despite this familial tie, their relationship was often strained, marked by historical animosity. At this time, Edom controlled a vital trade route known as the King's Highway, which the Israelites desired to use. In the ancient Near East, requesting passage through another nation's territory, especially for a large group like Israel, was a significant diplomatic act. Offering to pay for provisions and promising not to stray from the path were customary assurances to prevent conflict and demonstrate peaceful intent. This diplomatic protocol was essential for maintaining regional stability and avoiding unnecessary warfare, reflecting a common understanding of sovereignty and territorial rights among nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **peaceful coexistence and respect for sovereignty**. Despite Israel's divine mandate to inherit Canaan, God explicitly commanded them to respect the boundaries of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, demonstrating that even God's chosen people must adhere to principles of international law and neighborly respect ([Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - Respect for Edom's Territory")). Secondly, it underscores **integrity and orderliness**. Moses' offer to pay for provisions and promise a direct passage showcases Israel as an organized, disciplined nation, willing to abide by fair dealings rather than acting as a marauding force. This commitment to ethical conduct is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that God's people are called to live with righteousness in all their interactions. Finally, the ability to offer payment for "meat" and "water" implicitly points to **God's faithful provision** for Israel throughout their wilderness journey. Despite their nomadic existence, God had sustained them, ensuring they had the resources necessary for their travels, just as their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell ([Deuteronomy 8:4](/deuteronomy/8-4 "Deuteronomy 8:4 - God's Sustenance in the Wilderness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat (Hebrew, _ʼōkel'_):** This term, often translated as "meat" in older versions like the KJV, broadly refers to **food** or general provisions suitable for consumption. It encompasses any edible sustenance, not exclusively animal flesh. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive range of foodstuffs necessary to sustain a large traveling multitude, demonstrating Israel's willingness to pay for all their dietary needs rather than foraging or demanding supplies from the Edomites.
* **Only I will pass through on my feet (Hebrew, _rak raglay ēleḵ_):** This phrase emphasizes the limited and non-intrusive nature of Israel's request. "On my feet" signifies that they would not bring chariots, a large army formation, or any equipment that would suggest a military invasion or prolonged encampment. It implies a swift, direct, and peaceful transit, conveying that their presence would be temporary and their sole purpose was to pass through the territory without settling, interfering with Edomite affairs, or causing any burden beyond the immediate passage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat;":** This clause initiates Moses' diplomatic request, explicitly stating Israel's intention to engage in fair commerce. The offer to "sell me meat for money" (literally, "food for silver") highlights their willingness to pay for all necessary provisions, demonstrating respect for Edomite sovereignty and property rights. This was a clear sign of peaceful intent, reassuring Edom that Israel would not plunder or demand resources.
* **"and give me water for money, that I may drink:":** Parallel to the request for food, this clause reiterates the commitment to purchase even the most basic necessities, water. In an arid region, water was a precious commodity, and Israel's offer to pay for it further underscored their honorable intentions and their desire to avoid any imposition on Edom's resources. It reinforced the message that their passage was purely for transit, not exploitation.
* **"only I will pass through on my feet;":** This final clause serves as a crucial assurance, defining the precise nature of their passage. The phrase "only I will pass through on my feet" implies a direct route without deviation, a non-military posture, and a commitment to not lingering or establishing any presence within Edomite territory. It was a pledge of minimal impact, designed to alleviate any fears of invasion or settlement, reinforcing their peaceful and temporary presence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:28 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Diplomacy** is central, as Moses articulates a carefully worded, respectful request designed to avoid conflict. The **Repetition** of "for money" (implied for water, though not explicitly stated in the KJV, it is understood from the parallel structure with "meat for money") underscores Israel's commitment to fair economic exchange and ethical conduct. The phrase "only I will pass through on my feet" functions as a powerful **Understatement** or **Litotes**, minimizing the impact of a massive nation's movement to emphasize their peaceful and non-threatening intent. This deliberate choice of language aims to disarm potential hostility and highlight Israel's adherence to God's command for peaceful engagement with their kin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:28 is not merely a record of ancient diplomacy; it is a profound theological statement about the character of God's people and the nature of their mission. It demonstrates that even when divinely appointed to a land, Israel was not to act as a conquering horde but as a disciplined nation, respecting established boundaries and engaging in fair dealings. This reflects God's own character of order, justice, and respect for the sovereignty He grants to all nations, even those outside the covenant. The willingness to pay for provisions, despite being sustained by manna for forty years, teaches reliance on God's provision while simultaneously exercising human responsibility and integrity. It sets a precedent for how God's people should interact with the world, prioritizing peace and ethical conduct over brute force or entitlement, even when their ultimate destination is divinely ordained. This principle of peaceful, respectful interaction with neighbors is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, echoing God's desire for justice and order in human society.

* [Numbers 20:17](/numbers/20-17 "Numbers 20:17 - Israel's Request to Edom")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably with All")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submission to Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:28 offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the profound importance of integrity, respect, and peaceful engagement in all our interactions. Just as Israel, a people with a divine mandate, was called to honor the sovereignty and property of others, so too are we, as followers of Christ, called to be exemplary citizens and neighbors. This verse challenges us to consider how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives, whether in business dealings, community interactions, or personal relationships. Are we willing to "pay our way" and demonstrate respect for boundaries, even when we believe we have a higher purpose or a divine calling? The principle of not being a burden, but rather contributing fairly and peacefully, is a powerful witness to the character of God. It reminds us that our spiritual journey does not exempt us from ethical responsibilities but rather compels us to embody Christ's love and justice in practical, tangible ways, fostering harmony and trust rather than discord or imposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's willingness to pay for provisions challenge a sense of entitlement that believers might sometimes feel regarding divine favor?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or as the church, apply the principle of "only I will pass through on my feet" in our interactions with the broader society, ensuring we are not a burden but a blessing?**
* **What specific boundaries (personal, communal, national) do I need to respect more diligently, even when my intentions are good or my mission is divinely inspired?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel need to pay for food and water if God had been miraculously providing for them in the wilderness?**

Answer: While God had indeed provided miraculously for Israel through manna and water from the rock for forty years ([Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna Provided") and [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")), this provision was primarily for their sustenance in the barren wilderness. As they approached settled lands with established economies, God expected them to engage in normal, ethical commerce. Their willingness to pay for provisions demonstrated respect for the Edomites' sovereignty and property rights, fostering peaceful relations rather than demanding resources. It also showed that God's provision was not meant to excuse Israel from responsible and fair dealings with other nations, but rather to equip them to live righteously in all contexts.

**What was the Edomites' response to this diplomatic request?**

Answer: Unfortunately, despite Moses' polite and respectful request, the Edomites refused Israel's passage. [Numbers 20:18-21](/numbers/20-18 "Numbers 20:18-21 - Edom Refuses Passage") records that Edom came out with a large and powerful army to block Israel's path, forcing them to turn away and take a longer, more arduous route around Edomite territory. This refusal highlighted the deep-seated animosity between these brother nations, foreshadowing future conflicts and demonstrating Edom's distrust, despite Israel's peaceful overtures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:28, though a historical account of Israel's journey, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and mission of Jesus, and in the nature of His kingdom. Jesus, the ultimate "passer-through," did not come to conquer by force but to establish His kingdom through humility and sacrificial love. He did not demand allegiance or resources, but rather "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Unlike the nations that often took what they wanted, Christ came to give, paying the ultimate price for humanity's sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His journey was one of peaceful passage, offering reconciliation and life to those who would receive it, rather than imposing His will through coercion. Furthermore, the church, as the new Israel, is called to embody this same spirit. We are pilgrims and sojourners in this world ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")), called to live peaceably with all people ([Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably")), to pay our taxes ([Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Pay Taxes")), and to be a blessing to the communities we inhabit, demonstrating integrity and respect in all our dealings. Our mission, like Christ's, is to offer the good news, not to demand compliance, reflecting the peaceful and just character of our King, who truly "passed through on His feet" to redeem us.

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 20:19

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without [doing] any thing [else], go through on my feet.