Deuteronomy 2:9

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Distress {H6696} not the Moabites {H4124}, neither contend {H1624} with them in battle {H4421}: for I will not give {H5414} thee of their land {H776} for a possession {H3425}; because I have given {H5414} Ar {H6144} unto the children {H1121} of Lot {H3876} for a possession {H3425}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me, 'Don't be hostile toward Mo'av or fight with them, because I will not give you any of their land to possess, since I have already given 'Ar to the descendants of Lot as their territory.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Vex not Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give thee of his land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:9 records a pivotal divine command from the Lord to Moses, instructing Israel not to engage in hostilities or attempt to dispossess the Moabites of their territory. This directive profoundly illustrates God's sovereign authority over the allocation of land to all nations, not exclusively to Israel. Specifically, the Lord declares that He has already granted the region of Ar to the descendants of Lot as an enduring possession, thereby establishing clear, divinely ordained boundaries that Israel must respect, even amidst their divinely mandated conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2 is part of Moses' extensive historical prologue, which recounts Israel's journey from Kadesh-barnea towards the Promised Land, highlighting their obedience or disobedience to God's commands during their wilderness wanderings. Chapters 1-3 serve as a vital review of Israel's recent past, particularly the events of the last 38 years, setting the theological and historical stage for the renewed covenant instructions that follow. Immediately preceding this verse, God had issued a remarkably similar command concerning the Edomites, descendants of Esau, explicitly stating that their territory was also a divine grant and not for Israel to seize or provoke ([Deuteronomy 2:4-5](/deuteronomy/2-4-5 "Deuteronomy 2:4-5 - God's Command Regarding Edom")). This parallel instruction regarding Moab in [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab") reinforces a consistent and profound divine principle: God, not human ambition or military might, ultimately determines national boundaries and possessions. The narrative then proceeds to detail Israel's peaceful passage through Moabite territory, followed by an analogous command regarding the Ammonites ([Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon")), solidifying this theme of divine territorial sovereignty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Moabites were an ancient Semitic people, tracing their lineage back to Lot, Abraham's nephew, through his elder daughter ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of the Moabites")). Their territory was situated east of the Dead Sea, forming a significant border with Israel's eventual eastern frontier. At this juncture, Israel represented a formidable, divinely-backed military force on the very cusp of conquering the land of Canaan. The divine command to bypass Moab (along with Edom and Ammon) was strikingly counter-cultural in an ancient Near Eastern world where conquest was often driven by opportunity, perceived weakness, and the desire for territorial expansion. This directive powerfully demonstrated that Israel's warfare was not for indiscriminate expansion but was precisely directed by God's specific commands and purposes. While many ancient Near Eastern cultures believed their gods granted them territory, here, Yahweh's sovereignty is explicitly shown to extend even to nations outside the immediate Abrahamic covenant, highlighting His universal dominion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Over Land and Nations**. God's explicit declaration, "I will not give thee of their land... because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot," unequivocally asserts His ultimate authority over the earth's territories and the destinies of all peoples, not merely Israel. This highlights that Israel's inheritance of Canaan was not a matter of human strength or conquest but a direct divine gift, paralleling God's prior allocations to other nations. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Obedience to God's Specific Commands**. Israel was called to trust God's wisdom and restraint, even when it meant bypassing seemingly conquerable territory. This demonstrated that their success and security depended entirely on faithful adherence to His word, not on their strategic prowess. Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Broader Providence**, revealing that God's care, established order, and just dealings extend beyond His covenant people to all humanity, even those who might later become adversaries. This resonates with the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, as seen in passages like God's blessing to all families of the earth through Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Blessing to All Nations Through Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Distress (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** From H6696, this verb carries a strong connotation of hostility, vexation, or acting as an adversary. It means "to cramp," "confine," "besiege," or "be in a narrow place." In this context, it signifies a comprehensive prohibition against any form of harassment, oppression, or aggressive action that would cause difficulty or anguish for the Moabites. It extends beyond mere military engagement to encompass any act of antagonism or creating distress.
* **Contend (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** From H1624, the Hebrew verb means "to grate," "to anger," "to stir up strife," "provoke," "quarrel," or "contend in battle." While *tsûwr* implies the act of causing distress or besieging, *gârâh* focuses more on initiating the conflict or provoking a fight. Together, "distress not" and "neither contend" form a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing a complete and absolute prohibition against any hostile engagement, whether direct combat or general antagonism, with the Moabites.
* **Possession (Hebrew, _yᵉrushshâh'_):** From H3425, this noun refers to an inherited property, a conquest, or a patrimony. Its repetition ("I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession") highlights the divine nature of land ownership. It is not merely conquered territory but a divinely allotted inheritance. This term emphasizes the permanence and legitimacy of the Moabites' claim to Ar, as it was a gift from God Himself, just as Canaan was to be Israel's *yᵉrushshâh*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the command. Moses is presented as the direct recipient and faithful conveyor of Yahweh's specific instruction, underscoring its non-negotiable nature for Israel.
* **"Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle":** This is the direct, two-fold prohibition. It is a comprehensive command against any form of hostile action, ranging from subtle harassment and vexation to full-scale military engagement. It sets a clear, divinely mandated boundary for Israel's conduct towards a specific nation.
* **"for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession":** This provides the immediate, pragmatic divine rationale for the command. God explicitly states that the Moabite territory is not part of Israel's destined inheritance or the land promised to them. It is not for Israel to conquer or claim as their own.
* **"because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession":** This final clause offers the ultimate theological justification and reveals God's broader providential plan. God Himself, in His sovereign wisdom and prior allocation, had already granted the region of Ar (a significant part of Moabite territory) to the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. This demonstrates God's universal governance, extending His care and territorial grants beyond Israel to other nations, even those not directly in the Abrahamic covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:9 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its message. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through the direct speech of the Lord to Moses, which lends absolute authority and gravity to the instruction. This command is reinforced by **Repetition** of the word "possession" (*yᵉrushshâh*), which appears twice in quick succession. This repetition emphasizes the divine nature of land allocation—both for Israel's future inheritance and for Moab's current territory. There is also a clear **Contrast** established: while Israel is divinely commissioned to conquer Canaan, they are explicitly forbidden from conquering Moab. This highlights the specificity and selectivity of God's plans and the precise nature of His commands. This contrast subtly **Foreshadows** the broader principle that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and their boundaries, a theme that will be developed throughout biblical history, culminating in the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:9 stands as a profound theological statement on God's universal sovereignty and His meticulous ordering of the world. It reveals that Yahweh is not merely the God of Israel, but the God of all nations, determining their boundaries and allotting their territories according to His divine will. This demonstrates a broader providence that extends beyond the covenant people, showcasing His justice, order, and care even among those not directly in covenant relationship with Him. For Israel, it was a crucial lesson in obedience and trust, teaching them that their success and inheritance were entirely dependent on God's specific commands, not on their military might or perceived opportunities for expansion. It also established a precedent for respecting divinely ordained boundaries, even when dealing with nations that might later become adversaries. This principle of God's universal dominion resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers that His purposes encompass all of creation and that He is the ultimate arbiter of human affairs.
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines Nations' Boundaries")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:9 calls us to a profound recognition of God's ultimate authority over all aspects of life, including geopolitical boundaries and the destinies of nations. It challenges any human tendency to assume that our desires or perceived rights override God's established order. For believers today, this verse encourages a posture of humility and trust, knowing that God's plans are far-reaching and encompass even those outside our immediate sphere of concern. It teaches us to respect the legitimate claims and possessions of others, whether individuals, communities, or nations, understanding that God has a purpose for everyone and that His justice extends to all. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of discerning God's specific will for our lives and endeavors, rather than pursuing opportunities based solely on human logic, ambition, or perceived advantage. Just as Israel's success depended on their obedience to God's precise commands, our spiritual flourishing is tied to our willingness to align with His sovereign directives, even when they seem counter-intuitive or limit our immediate desires. This verse ultimately fosters a worldview where God's wisdom and justice are paramount, guiding our interactions with the world around us and cultivating a spirit of peace rather than contention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations, not just His covenant people, impact your understanding of His character and global purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "contend" or "distress" others, rather than respecting boundaries God has established or relationships He values?**
* **How can trusting God's specific commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive or limit your immediate desires, strengthen your faith and deepen your walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God protect the Moabites, who were not part of Israel, but command Israel to destroy other nations like the Canaanites?**

Answer: This question highlights a crucial distinction in God's dealings with nations, demonstrating His perfect justice and varied purposes. God's command to protect the Moabites (and Edomites and Ammonites) was based on His prior, sovereign allocation of their land to the descendants of Lot and Esau, respectively. These nations, while not part of the Abrahamic covenant, were not yet ripe for judgment in the same way the Canaanites were. The Canaanites, on the other hand, were targeted for judgment due to their extreme wickedness, pervasive idolatry, and abhorrent practices (including child sacrifice), which had reached a point where God's patience had run out and their iniquity was "complete" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - Amorite Iniquity Not Yet Complete"); [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Canaanite Abominations")). God's actions are always just, purposeful, and executed according to His perfect timing, demonstrating His right to judge and His prerogative to grant or withhold territory based on His wisdom and moral standards. The protection of Moab, therefore, emphasizes God's universal governance and His varied dealings with humanity, not a contradiction in His character.

**Did Israel always obey this command regarding the Moabites?**

Answer: While Israel was commanded to bypass the Moabites peacefully during their wilderness journey, their relationship with Moab was not always peaceful in subsequent history. Later, during the period of the Judges, the Moabites, under King Eglon, oppressed Israel for eighteen years, leading to a period of servitude ([Judges 3:12-14](/judges/3-12-14 "Judges 3:12-14 - Eglon Oppresses Israel")). Despite this, the book of Ruth, set during the same period, beautifully illustrates a peaceful and redemptive interaction between Israel and Moab through Ruth, a Moabitess who became an ancestress of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that while the initial command in [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab") was about territorial respect and non-aggression, the historical relationship evolved, highlighting both human disobedience and God's overarching redemptive plan that could even incorporate individuals from nations initially set apart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:9, with its emphasis on God's sovereign allocation of land and His protection of the Moabites as descendants of Lot, profoundly foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan in Christ. Just as God meticulously ordered the physical territories and destinies of nations in the Old Testament, so too does He sovereignly orchestrate the spiritual inheritance of humanity in the New Covenant. Christ is the ultimate "possession" and "inheritance" for believers, far surpassing any earthly land or territory. He is the true heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrew/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), and through Him, we receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The command to "distress not" and "contend not" with Moab, a nation outside the Abrahamic covenant, subtly points to God's broader heart for all peoples, culminating in the Great Commission where believers are sent to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). In Christ, the dividing walls of hostility between Jew and Gentile are broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")), and people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are brought into God's spiritual kingdom, inheriting eternal life through faith in the Lamb of God ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")). This divine principle of sovereign allocation, seen in the land of Ar for Moab, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance of salvation freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through 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

Genesis 19:36

Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

Genesis 19:37

And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same [is] the father of the Moabites unto this day.

Numbers 21:15

And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

Numbers 21:28

For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, [and] the lords of the high places of Arnon.

Deuteronomy 2:5

Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau [for] a possession.

Numbers 22:4

And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all [that are] round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor [was] king of the Moabites at that time.

Psalms 83:8

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.