Deuteronomy 2:4

KJV

And command thou the people, saying, Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

KJV (with Strong's)

And command {H6680} thou the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Ye are to pass {H5674} through the coast {H1366} of your brethren {H251} the children {H1121} of Esau {H6215}, which dwell {H3427} in Seir {H8165}; and they shall be afraid {H3372} of you: take ye good {H3966} heed {H8104} unto yourselves therefore:

Complete Jewish Bible

and give this order to the people: "You are to pass through the territory of your kinsmen the descendants of 'Esav who live in Se'ir. They will be afraid of you, so be very cautious,

Berean Standard Bible

and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful.

American Standard Version

And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:4 presents a pivotal divine instruction to Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses recounts God's command for the Israelites to pass peacefully through the territory of their kinsmen, the descendants of Esau (Edomites), who dwell in Seir. Despite Israel's formidable presence and the Edomites' impending fear, the Lord explicitly warns His people to exercise extreme caution and self-control, emphasizing respect for Edomite boundaries and a disciplined adherence to His specific, non-confrontational plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:4 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. This chapter serves as a historical prologue, recounting the final leg of Israel's wilderness journey from Kadesh-barnea to the plains of Moab, specifically detailing their interactions with the nations of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. Moses meticulously reviews God's past guidance, reminding the people of His faithfulness and their obligation to obey. This particular verse marks the beginning of Israel's approach to Edomite territory, setting the stage for a unique interaction distinct from the later commands to dispossess the Canaanites. It underscores God's sovereign control over the nations and His specific instructions for Israel's conduct, even towards those who might appear vulnerable to their power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "children of Esau" refer to the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, establishing a unique familial relationship with Israel (hence "your brethren"). Their territory, Seir, was a mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea, characterized by rugged terrain and fortified settlements. Historically, the Edomites had established a kingdom and were a recognized power in the region. The instruction to "pass through the coast" (border/territory) was a common practice for ancient armies or large groups needing passage, but it often carried risks of conflict. God's command here acknowledges the Edomites' established sovereignty over their land, distinguishing them from the Canaanite nations whose land Israel was divinely appointed to inherit. This directive also implicitly addresses the potential for Israel, after forty years of divine provision and military success, to assume a right to conquer any land they encountered, thereby curbing any presumptuousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous and active involvement in directing Israel's path and dictating their interactions with other nations. He not only commands their route but also declares the Edomites' future reaction ("they shall be afraid of you"), showcasing His power over the hearts of men and His providential care for Israel. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Respect for Boundaries and Divine Distinction**. Despite Israel's strength and divine backing, God commands them to respect Edomite territory, setting a precedent for how Israel was to treat certain nations differently from the Canaanites. This aligns with the broader theme of God's righteous judgment and His specific plans for each people group, as further detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:5-6](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5-6 - God's Command Regarding Edomite Territory"). Lastly, the imperative "take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore" underscores the critical theme of **Obedience and Self-Control**. It is a strong warning for Israel to remain disciplined, avoid provocation, and adhere strictly to God's precise instructions, even when they possess a clear advantage. This caution is vital for Israel's continued journey and their covenant relationship with God, reminding them that their success depends not on their might, but on their faithful submission to God's will, as seen throughout their [wilderness wanderings](/deuteronomy/2-7 "Deuteronomy 2:7 - God's Provision in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coast (Hebrew, _gĕbûl'_):** This word refers to a boundary, border, or territory. In this context, it signifies the defined land and jurisdiction of the Edomites. The command to "pass through the coast" implies traversing their established domain without infringing upon their sovereignty or claiming their land as Israel's own. It emphasizes a respectful, albeit temporary, transit through another nation's recognized territory.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _'ach'_):** Meaning "brother" or "kinsman," this term highlights the familial relationship between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau). Despite generations of separation and occasional conflict, God reminds Israel of this shared ancestry. This kinship is the basis for God's specific command to treat Edom differently from the Canaanites, emphasizing a unique divine restraint and a call for Israel to acknowledge the bonds of blood, however distant.
* **Take ye good heed (Hebrew, _shamar_):** The verb _shamar_ means "to keep, watch, guard, observe, be careful." The KJV's "take ye good heed" captures the intensity of this warning. It implies a vigilant, disciplined self-control, a conscious effort to avoid any action that might provoke conflict, violate God's command, or take what is not theirs. It is a call to internal and external restraint, guarding against covetousness, aggression, or any deviation from the divine mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And command thou the people, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority behind the instruction. It is not Moses' personal strategy but a direct, authoritative word from God, delivered through His chosen leader to the entire nation. This highlights the importance and non-negotiable nature of the command that follows.
* **"Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir;"**: This clause specifies the immediate objective and the people involved. Israel's divinely appointed path leads them through Edomite territory. The designation "your brethren the children of Esau" underscores the unique relationship and the reason for the non-confrontational approach. Seir is identified as the established dwelling place of the Edomites, reinforcing their rightful claim to the land.
* **"and they shall be afraid of you:"**: This is a divine declaration, a prophetic insight into the Edomites' reaction. It reveals God's power to instill fear in surrounding nations, demonstrating His presence with Israel and His ability to clear their path. This statement also serves as a subtle warning against pride for Israel, reminding them that their intimidating presence is a result of God's work, not their own inherent might.
* **"take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:"**: This concluding imperative is a strong warning and a call to vigilance. "Therefore" links the caution directly to the preceding statement about Edom's fear. Because Israel will appear formidable, they must be exceptionally careful not to exploit this advantage, provoke conflict, or deviate from God's specific instructions for peaceful passage. It emphasizes self-control, discipline, and strict obedience to avoid any action that might lead to sin or disrupt God's plan.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:4 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Command**, as God issues a clear, unambiguous instruction to Moses, which is then relayed to the people. This highlights the immediate and binding nature of the divine will. There is also an element of **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing** in the declaration "they shall be afraid of you," which not only reassures Israel but also sets the stage for their cautious behavior. The use of **Kinship Terminology** ("your brethren the children of Esau") serves as a powerful rhetorical device, reminding Israel of their shared lineage and providing the theological basis for the specific, non-aggressive approach. Finally, the concluding phrase, "take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore," employs **Emphasis** through its strong imperative and the use of the reflexive pronoun, underscoring the critical importance of self-control and obedience in this particular interaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:4 reveals profound theological truths about God's sovereignty, His justice, and His expectations for His people. It demonstrates that God is not only the God of Israel but also the sovereign ruler over all nations, determining their boundaries and their interactions. His command to respect Edomite territory, despite Israel's power and divine backing, showcases His differentiated plan for various peoples and His commitment to justice, even for those not in covenant with Him. This teaches Israel, and us, that power and divine favor do not grant license for indiscriminate conquest or exploitation. Instead, they demand greater responsibility and precise obedience to God's specific instructions, which may sometimes involve restraint rather than aggression. The fear instilled in the Edomites further testifies to God's active presence with His people, reminding them that their strength comes from Him, not from their own might or numbers.

* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")
* [Deuteronomy 23:7](/deuteronomy/23-7 "Deuteronomy 23:7 - Do Not Abhor an Edomite")
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalms/105-14 "Psalm 105:14-15 - God Protects His Anointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:4 offers timeless principles for believers navigating complex relationships and circumstances in a world often driven by power and self-interest. It calls us to a profound trust in God's specific guidance, even when His instructions seem counter-intuitive or limit our perceived advantages. Just as Israel was to respect the boundaries of their "brethren" the Edomites, we are called to exercise self-control and respect for others, even those with whom we might have historical tensions or who seem weaker. This means resisting the temptation to exploit situations for personal gain, to impose our will, or to act aggressively when God calls for restraint. True strength lies in humble obedience to God's precise commands, allowing Him to open doors and protect us, rather than relying on our own might or cleverness. Our spiritual journey, like Israel's, requires constant vigilance against pride and a disciplined adherence to God's Word, ensuring that our actions reflect His character of justice, mercy, and order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to exercise restraint or respect boundaries, even when I feel I have an advantage or a right to act differently?**
* **How does trusting God's specific instructions, even when they seem counter-intuitive, demonstrate true faith and humility?**
* **What does "taking good heed" to myself look like in my daily interactions, especially concerning my words, actions, and the possessions or rights of others?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command Israel to pass through Edom peacefully, especially given later hostilities between the two nations?**

Answer: God's command in [Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - God's Command Regarding Edom") is rooted in the unique familial relationship between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau), whom God refers to as "brethren." Unlike the Canaanite nations, whose land was divinely designated for Israel's inheritance due to their extreme wickedness, Edom was not marked for dispossession. God, as the sovereign ruler of all nations, had established the Edomites in their own territory ([Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - Edom's Territory Given by God")). This command highlights God's justice and His differentiated plans for various peoples. While later historical accounts, such as Edom's refusal to grant Israel passage in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage") and their subsequent enmity, demonstrate their failure to uphold the familial bond, God's initial command to Israel reflects His perfect will for peaceful coexistence where possible, based on established boundaries and kinship.

**What is the significance of the Edomites being "afraid" of Israel?**

Answer: The statement "they shall be afraid of you" ([Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - God's Command Regarding Edom")) serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it is a divine declaration, demonstrating God's power to instill fear in the hearts of nations before His people, thereby clearing their path and validating His presence with Israel. This fear is not a result of Israel's military might alone but a supernatural awe inspired by the God who had delivered them from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness. Secondly, this foreknowledge of Edom's fear serves as a warning to Israel. Because they would appear formidable, they were to be even more diligent in "taking good heed" to themselves, ensuring they did not exploit this advantage, act presumptuously, or provoke unnecessary conflict. It reinforces that their strength and the fear they inspired were gifts from God, to be stewarded with humility and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:4, with its emphasis on divine guidance, respecting boundaries, and disciplined obedience, finds profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the ultimate Israelite, Jesus perfectly embodied the "good heed" that God commanded His people to take. He meticulously fulfilled every divine instruction, not seeking His own will but always that of the Father ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")). Where Israel often failed to maintain self-control or respect boundaries, succumbing to pride or aggression, Christ demonstrated perfect humility and restraint, even when facing immense power or provocation ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Refuses to Call on Angels")). He did not come to conquer earthly kingdoms by force, but to establish a spiritual kingdom through humble service and self-sacrifice ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Furthermore, the "brethren" motif points to Christ as our ultimate Brother ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Jesus Not Ashamed to Call Us Brothers")), through whom we are reconciled to God and become part of His spiritual family. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death enable us, by His Spirit, to "take good heed" to God's commands, to walk in love and respect for others, and to navigate the world's complexities with divine wisdom, trusting in His sovereign guidance for our journey to the heavenly promised land ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - 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 20:14

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Numbers 20:21

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Exodus 15:15

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

Deuteronomy 23:7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Obadiah 1:10

¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Obadiah 1:13

Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid [hands] on their substance in the day of their calamity;