Deuteronomy 2:6

KJV

Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall buy {H7666} meat {H400} of them for money {H3701}, that ye may eat {H398}; and ye shall also buy {H3739} water {H4325} of them for money {H3701}, that ye may drink {H8354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pay them money for the food you eat, and pay them money for the water you drink.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”

American Standard Version

Ye shall purchase food of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:6 presents a specific divine command to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, instructing them to engage in legitimate commerce with the Edomites for food and water rather than taking supplies by force. This seemingly simple directive underscores profound theological principles: God's meticulous guidance and provision for His people, His respect for the sovereignty and property rights of other nations, and His expectation that Israel would conduct themselves with integrity and pursue peaceful coexistence, even amidst their challenging pilgrimage. The verse highlights a divinely ordained model of ethical interaction between peoples, demonstrating that even in times of great need, God's people are called to uphold justice and fairness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' historical recounting of Israel's forty-year wilderness wanderings, specifically detailing their approach to the land of Edom. Moses is delivering the second major discourse of Deuteronomy, reviewing the journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab, prior to entering the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 2:1-5) establish the divine prohibition against provoking the Edomites, who are descendants of Esau and thus kinsmen to Israel. God had explicitly declared that He would not give Israel any of Edom's land, as it had been given to Esau as a possession. Deuteronomy 2:6 then provides the practical outworking of this command, detailing how Israel was to sustain itself while passing through Edomite territory, emphasizing commercial exchange over military appropriation. This instruction sets a precedent for Israel's interactions with other nations, particularly those with whom they shared a familial or historical connection, before they encounter the more hostile nations later in the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites, residing in the mountainous region of Mount Seir (modern-day southern Jordan), were a settled people with established trade routes and resources, unlike the nomadic Israelites. In the ancient Near East, it was common for conquering armies to seize provisions from conquered or traversed territories. However, God's command to Israel directly counters this norm, reflecting a unique divine standard. The mention of "money" (silver) indicates a functioning economy and the existence of a medium of exchange, highlighting that Israel, despite their wilderness journey, was equipped by God to participate in such transactions. This period also marks a transition for Israel from direct miraculous provision (like manna and water from the rock) to more conventional means of sustenance, even as God continued to orchestrate their circumstances. The cultural expectation of respecting tribal boundaries, especially among kinsmen, is reinforced by this directive, even if the relationship between Israel and Edom was often fraught with tension.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Guidance**. While God had miraculously sustained Israel with manna and water in the past (e.g., as recounted in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")), here He orchestrates their provision through legitimate commerce, demonstrating the adaptable nature of His care. Secondly, the verse highlights **Respect for Sovereignty and Property Rights**. The explicit instruction to "buy meat of them for money" and "buy water of them for money" is a powerful lesson in honoring the established boundaries and ownership of other nations and individuals. This principle is foundational to the Mosaic Law's emphasis on justice and fair dealings, even extending to non-Israelites (e.g., [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treatment of Foreigners")). Lastly, the command promotes **Peaceful Coexistence**. By mandating legitimate trade, God facilitated a peaceful passage through Edomite territory, avoiding unnecessary conflict and demonstrating a model of responsible and ethical interaction between nations, a stark contrast to the typical imperialistic practices of the time. This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic call for Israel to be a distinct people, reflecting God's character in all their ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat (Hebrew, _'okhel'_):** While modern English "meat" typically refers to animal flesh, the Hebrew term אֹכֶל (_'okhel'_) has a much broader meaning, encompassing "food," "sustenance," or "provisions" in general. This is crucial for understanding the scope of the command: Israel was to purchase any necessary foodstuffs from the Edomites, not just animal protein. This highlights the comprehensive nature of their need and the Edomites' capacity to supply various provisions.
* **Money (Hebrew, _kesef'_):** The Hebrew word כֶּסֶף (_kesef_), meaning "silver" or "money," emphasizes that the transaction was to be a fair, paid exchange, not a coerced acquisition, a demand, or a charitable handout. The repetition of "for money" (בַּכֶּסֶף, _bakesef_) underscores the transactional nature and the principle of integrity. It signifies that Israel, despite being God's chosen people on a divine mission, was not exempt from the norms of fair trade and respecting others' economic systems. God had ensured they possessed the means to pay, further demonstrating His complete provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat;":** This initial clause directly commands the Israelites to acquire their food supplies from the Edomites through a monetary transaction. The phrase "of them" (מֵאִתָּם, _me'ittam_) clearly indicates the source of the provisions – the Edomites. The purpose clause, "that ye may eat," highlights the practical necessity behind the command: it was for their sustenance. This part of the verse establishes the principle of legitimate commerce for basic provisions, setting a precedent for respectful interaction even when in dire need.
* **"and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the command to include water, another essential for survival in the wilderness. The repetition of "buy...for money" reinforces the non-negotiable nature of the transactional method. The phrase "that ye may drink" again clarifies the life-sustaining purpose. The inclusion of water is significant, as water sources in arid regions were often fiercely guarded, making the command to purchase it, rather than seize it, a powerful testament to God's insistence on respecting property rights and avoiding conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "for money" (בַּכֶּסֶף, _bakesef_), which appears twice within the single verse. This repetition serves to underscore the absolute necessity and non-negotiability of conducting the transaction through legitimate payment, reinforcing the theme of integrity and fair dealing. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the verse's structure: "buy meat...for money, that ye may eat" is mirrored by "buy water...for money, that ye may drink." This parallel construction highlights the two fundamental necessities (food and water) and applies the same ethical standard of acquisition to both, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the command. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Didactic Instruction**, a characteristic pervasive throughout Deuteronomy. Moses, as God's mouthpiece, issues a clear, imperative command ("Ye shall buy..."), which serves to teach Israel fundamental principles of conduct, not just for this specific encounter but for their future interactions as a nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:6 is a rich theological statement about God's character and His expectations for His people. It reveals a God who is not only sovereign over all nations and their territories but also one who upholds justice, integrity, and peace in international relations. Even when Israel was on a divinely ordained mission, God commanded them to respect the property rights and sovereignty of others, demonstrating that His purposes do not justify unethical means. This principle of fair dealing and peaceful coexistence, even with those who might later become adversaries, reflects God's universal moral law and His desire for His people to be a light to the nations, embodying righteousness in all their interactions. It teaches that true divine provision often comes through legitimate human endeavor and ethical commerce, not solely through miraculous intervention, and that God equips His people with the means to act righteously.

* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Weights and Measures")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:11-12](/1_thessalonians/4-11 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Work with Your Own Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:6 offers timeless principles for believers navigating a complex world. It challenges us to consider how we conduct ourselves in all our dealings, whether personal, professional, or communal. The command to "buy for money" reminds us that integrity and fairness are not optional but are fundamental expressions of our faith. In a world often characterized by exploitation, greed, and the pursuit of gain at any cost, this verse calls us to be agents of righteousness, respecting the property, labor, and dignity of others. It encourages a deep trust in God's provision, recognizing that He can supply our needs through legitimate means and human enterprise, not always through extraordinary miracles. Furthermore, it fosters a commitment to peaceful coexistence, urging us to resolve conflicts through respectful negotiation and fair exchange rather than coercion or aggression. Our interactions with others, even those outside our immediate community of faith, should reflect the character of God – just, compassionate, and honorable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to take shortcuts or exploit situations for personal gain, rather than engaging in fair and honest transactions?**
* **How does my approach to acquiring resources (e.g., through work, purchases, or even charity) reflect my trust in God's provision and my commitment to ethical conduct?**
* **How can I actively promote peaceful and respectful interactions in my community, workplace, or even on a broader societal level, mirroring the principles found in this verse?**
* **What does it mean to "respect the sovereignty" of others, whether individuals or groups, in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command them to buy food and water when He had supernaturally provided for them for so long?**

Answer: God's command to buy food and water from the Edomites in [Deuteronomy 2:6](/deuteronomy/2-6 "Deuteronomy 2:6 - Buying Provisions from Edom") marks a shift in the mode of divine provision, not an end to it. For forty years, God had miraculously sustained Israel with manna and water from the rock. As they approached settled lands and encountered other nations, God transitioned them to more conventional means of sustenance. This demonstrated that God's provision is adaptable; He can provide miraculously, but also through human industry, commerce, and the resources of others. It also served as a crucial lesson in ethical interaction, teaching Israel to respect the property rights of other nations and engage in fair trade, preparing them for life in the Promised Land where they would be expected to live by such principles. This transition underscored their growing maturity as a nation, moving from complete dependence on direct miracles to responsible engagement with the world around them, all under God's continued guidance.

**What does this verse teach about international relations or interactions with those outside the faith community?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 2:6](/deuteronomy/2-6 "Deuteronomy 2:6 - Buying Provisions from Edom") offers profound lessons for international relations and interactions with those outside one's own community or faith. Firstly, it teaches **respect for sovereignty and property rights**. Despite being God's chosen people with a divine mission, Israel was explicitly commanded to honor Edom's ownership of their land and resources. They were not to take by force but to purchase. Secondly, it promotes **peaceful coexistence and ethical commerce**. God mandated legitimate trade, avoiding conflict with a kinsman nation, even though tensions existed. This demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, peaceful and just interactions are God's ideal. It serves as a model for how God's people should conduct themselves in the world: with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to peace, reflecting God's character to all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:6, with its emphasis on divine provision through legitimate means, respect for others' property, and peaceful coexistence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. While Israel was commanded to buy physical food and water, Jesus declares Himself the true and ultimate provision: the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"). He freely offers spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies, not through monetary exchange, but through faith in Him. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied the principles of integrity and respect for earthly authority and property, even while challenging spiritual corruption. He taught His disciples to [render to Caesar what is Caesar's](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar"), demonstrating a proper respect for established systems. His entire ministry was one of peaceful engagement, seeking reconciliation and offering terms of peace, even to His enemies, rather than seizing power or resources by force (e.g., [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")). The integrity and fairness commanded in Deuteronomy 2:6 are transformed and elevated in the New Covenant, where believers are called to live out the righteousness of Christ, loving their neighbors as themselves ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")), and seeking peace with all people ([Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace with All")). Thus, the ethical conduct mandated for Israel in their physical journey foreshadows the spiritual integrity and peaceful nature of the Kingdom of God, fully realized in Christ.

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

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

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.

Deuteronomy 2:28

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;

Deuteronomy 2:29

(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.

Matthew 7:12

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: