Deuteronomy 2:29

KJV

(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

KJV (with Strong's)

(As the children {H1121} of Esau {H6215} which dwell {H3427} in Seir {H8165}, and the Moabites {H4125} which dwell {H3427} in Ar {H6144}, did {H6213} unto me;) until I shall pass over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} into the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} giveth {H5414} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do as the people of 'Esav living in Se'ir and the Mo'avim living in 'Ar did with me, until I cross the Yarden into the land ADONAI our God is giving us.'

Berean Standard Bible

just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir and the Moabites who live in Ar did for us, until we cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD our God is giving us.”

American Standard Version

as the children of Esau that dwell in Seir, and the Moabites that dwell in Ar, did unto me; until I shall pass over the Jordan into the land which Jehovah our God giveth us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:29 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, reflecting on God's providential guidance and the peaceful passage granted by the Edomites and Moabites. Moses recounts how these nations, in contrast to later adversarial encounters, permitted Israel to traverse their territories, providing necessary provisions. This verse underscores God's faithfulness in clearing the path for His people, emphasizing their unwavering focus on the divinely promised inheritance across the Jordan River, a land freely given by the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:29 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into Canaan. Chapters 1-3 serve as a historical prologue, recounting key events of the wilderness wandering, particularly focusing on the journey from Kadesh-Barnea to the plains of Moab. This verse specifically concludes Moses' recollection of Israel's interactions with the Edomites and Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:1-23), highlighting God's explicit command to respect their territorial integrity, as these lands had been divinely allotted to Esau's descendants and Lot's descendants, respectively. The phrase "did unto me" directly refers back to the peaceful transactions and permissions granted by these nations, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:6](/deuteronomy/2-6 "Deuteronomy 2:6 - Purchase of Food and Water") and [Deuteronomy 2:28](/deuteronomy/2-28 "Deuteronomy 2:28 - Peaceful Passage"). This narrative sets a precedent for God's sovereign control over all nations and His specific instructions for Israel's conduct, even with non-covenant peoples.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the end of Israel's 40-year wilderness sojourn, around 1406 BC, as they stand on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised to enter Canaan. Edom (descendants of Esau) inhabited the mountainous region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea, while Moab (descendants of Lot) occupied the Transjordanian plateau east of the Dead Sea, north of Edom. Both were related ethnically to Israel, though not part of the Abrahamic covenant. Travel through these territories was crucial for Israel to avoid the more difficult southern route through the Arabah. The "peaceful passage" mentioned in the verse, where food and water were purchased rather than taken by force, reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice for large groups traversing foreign lands, often requiring prior negotiation or tribute. This act of cooperation, facilitated by divine influence, contrasts sharply with the later hostility encountered from the Amorites (Deuteronomy 2:24-37) and the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), underscoring God's specific commands and provisions for each stage of Israel's journey.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for Israel, not only in miraculous provision but also in orchestrating diplomatic relations with neighboring nations to ensure their progress toward the Promised Land. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, as the journey's ultimate objective—crossing the Jordan into the land "which the LORD our God giveth us"—is the culmination of God's ancient promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and his descendants. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Respect for Established Boundaries and Justice**, even for non-Israelite peoples, as God explicitly commanded Israel not to dispossess Edom or Moab, demonstrating a universal principle of divine justice that extends beyond the covenant community. This stands in stark contrast to the impending conquest of Canaan, which is framed as a divine judgment against its inhabitants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seir (Hebrew, _Se'ir'_):** This refers to the mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The name itself means "hairy" or "shaggy," likely referring to the rugged, forested terrain. Its mention here grounds the historical account in a specific, recognizable geographical location, emphasizing the literal journey Israel undertook.
* **Ar (Hebrew, _'Ar'_):** This is the capital city of Moab, located on the Arnon River. Its inclusion, alongside Seir, precisely delineates the territories through which Israel passed. The specificity of these place names lends authenticity to Moses' historical recounting and underscores the distinct identities of the nations involved.
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yarden'_):** The principal river of the Levant, forming the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. The phrase "pass over Jordan" (עָבַר יַרְדֵּן, _'avar Yarden'_) is a recurring motif in the Pentateuch and Joshua, signifying the transition from the wilderness journey to the inheritance of the land. It represents a threshold, a critical point of no return, and the imminent fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;)":** This parenthetical clause serves as a comparative statement, drawing a parallel between Israel's current request to the Amorites (implied by the preceding verses) and the past, successful, and peaceful interactions with Edom and Moab. "Did unto me" refers to the permission granted for passage and the provision of food and water for purchase, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:6](/deuteronomy/2-6 "Deuteronomy 2:6 - Purchase of Food and Water") and [Deuteronomy 2:28](/deuteronomy/2-28 "Deuteronomy 2:28 - Peaceful Passage"). It highlights God's prior orchestration of favorable circumstances for His people.
* **"until I shall pass over Jordan":** This phrase articulates the immediate and ultimate goal of Israel's present journey. The Jordan River represents the final geographical barrier before entering the land of promise. The use of "until" indicates that the peaceful passage through these territories was a necessary prerequisite and a direct means to achieve this divinely appointed destination. It signifies the culmination of their arduous wilderness trek.
* **"into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.":** This concluding clause emphatically declares the divine origin and nature of the Promised Land. It is not a land to be conquered by Israel's might alone, but a gift, an inheritance freely bestowed by the sovereign LORD. The possessive "our God" reinforces the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, highlighting His faithfulness to His promises and His active role in securing their future. This phrase reiterates a foundational theological truth throughout Deuteronomy: the land is a gracious endowment from God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parenthesis** is evident in the opening clause, "(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;)", which provides crucial contextual information and a comparative framework for understanding Israel's current situation. This allows Moses to interject a past success story to bolster the narrative. **Repetition** of the concept of the "land which the LORD our God giveth us" is a pervasive theme throughout Deuteronomy, serving as a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and the ultimate purpose of their journey. This repetition acts as a **leitmotif**, reinforcing the theological significance of the land as a divine gift. Furthermore, the mention of specific geographical locations like Seir, Ar, and the Jordan River provides a strong sense of **verisimilitude**, grounding the historical account in tangible reality and emphasizing the literal journey of the Israelites. The entire verse functions as a **synecdoche** for God's overarching providence, where the specific instances of peaceful passage illustrate His broader control over nations and His commitment to His people's destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:29 serves as a profound testament to God's meticulous care and sovereign orchestration of events for His covenant people. It demonstrates that God's providence extends beyond miraculous interventions to include influencing the hearts and actions of non-covenant nations for His purposes. The peaceful passage through Edom and Moab, contrasted with the impending conflict with the Amorites, illustrates that God's commands and methods are tailored to specific circumstances and His broader redemptive plan. The verse also underscores the unwavering focus on the Promised Land as a divine gift, not a human achievement, reinforcing the theme of grace that permeates Israel's history. This journey, marked by both divine command and human obedience, ultimately points to a greater spiritual journey of faith and the ultimate inheritance promised to believers.

* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage")
* [Joshua 1:11](/joshua/1-11 "Joshua 1:11 - Preparation to Cross the Jordan")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:29 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's providential hand is at work even in seemingly ordinary circumstances. Just as God cleared the path for Israel through the territories of Edom and Moab, He often orchestrates unexpected favor, opens doors, or provides resources when we are faithfully pursuing His will. This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and methods, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours, and He may use unlikely means or individuals to accomplish His purposes. It also serves as a poignant reminder to maintain our focus on the ultimate spiritual inheritance and calling God has given us, symbolized by the Promised Land. Our "Jordan" may be a significant life transition, a challenging spiritual growth period, or the ultimate hope of eternal fellowship with Christ. We are called to navigate our journey with both faith and wisdom, seeking peace where possible, yet always pressing forward towards the divine destination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting to "pass over Jordan" into a new season or promise from God?**
* **How have you experienced God's unexpected provision or the opening of doors in your journey, similar to Israel's peaceful passage through Edom and Moab?**
* **What "land" (spiritual maturity, calling, eternal hope) is the Lord "giving you" that requires your faithful perseverance and trust?**
* **How does the principle of respecting boundaries, even for those outside your immediate community, apply to your interactions today?**

### FAQ

**Did Edom and Moab always allow Israel peaceful passage?**

Answer: No, not always. While Deuteronomy 2:29 and the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 2:6, 2:28) describe a peaceful, transactional passage where Israel purchased food and water, earlier in the wilderness journey, Edom had explicitly refused Israel passage through their territory ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage")). This earlier refusal forced Israel to take a longer route around Edom. The account in Deuteronomy 2:29, therefore, refers to a specific, later instance of cooperation, perhaps influenced by God's direct command not to provoke them, or a change in Edomite policy. It highlights God's sovereign ability to influence circumstances and nations differently at various points in His people's journey.

**What is the significance of "the land which the LORD our God giveth us"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It emphasizes that the Promised Land is not a conquest earned by Israel's military might or moral superiority, but a gracious, sovereign gift from God ([Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - Not by Your Righteousness")). It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"); [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abraham"); [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "Genesis 26:3 - God's Promise to Isaac"); [Genesis 28:13](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13 - God's Promise to Jacob")). The land is an inheritance, a tangible expression of God's love, provision, and commitment to His people, serving as the physical locus for their covenant relationship with Him and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes. It is a constant reminder that their dwelling in the land is contingent upon their obedience to the Giver.

**How does this verse relate to God's command to conquer Canaan?**

Answer: This verse provides a crucial contrast and clarification regarding God's commands for Israel. While God commanded Israel to utterly dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan due to their extreme wickedness and idolatry ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Nations"); [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not Because of Your Righteousness")), He explicitly forbade them from provoking or taking the land of Edom ([Deuteronomy 2:4-5](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-5 - Do Not Provoke Edom")) and Moab ([Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - Do Not Provoke Moab")). This distinction reveals that God's judgments and territorial allotments are specific and righteous. It demonstrates that God is not capricious; His commands regarding conquest were not a blanket permission for aggression but precise instructions for specific nations and lands, rooted in His divine justice and His plan for Israel's unique role as a holy nation. The peaceful passage through Edom and Moab underscores the principle that Israel's actions were always to be governed by God's explicit word, not by their own desires or perceived opportunities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:29, though rooted in Israel's historical journey, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The peaceful passage granted to Israel, leading them to the Promised Land, foreshadows the ultimate "way" opened for humanity through Jesus Christ. Just as God cleared the path for Israel through the wilderness and across the Jordan, so Christ, by His atoning work, has cleared the way for believers to enter into the true spiritual inheritance—eternal life and fellowship with God. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), removing the ultimate barrier between humanity and God. Furthermore, the concept of the "land which the LORD our God giveth us" finds its ultimate reality not in a geographical territory, but in the spiritual blessings and heavenly inheritance secured by Christ. Believers are now heirs with Christ, receiving an [inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Imperishable Inheritance"). Jesus Himself declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")", embodying the ultimate passage into God's presence. The journey of Israel, marked by divine guidance and the promise of a land, thus serves as a powerful type for the believer's journey of faith, led by the Spirit, towards the spiritual blessings and eternal rest found in Christ, our true [Sabbath rest](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - A Sabbath Rest Remains").

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 20:18

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

Judges 11:17

Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken [thereto]. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not [consent]: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

Judges 11:18

Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Deuteronomy 23:3

An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

Deuteronomy 23:4

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Deuteronomy 4:21

Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance:

Joshua 1:11

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.