Deuteronomy 2:4

Translations

Modern

…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.

Traditional

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:

Literal

And command the people, saying, ‘You are passing over into the border of your brothers, the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, and they will be afraid of you. And you shall be on guard exceedingly.

Latin

…et populo præcipe, dicens: Transibitis per terminos fratrum vestrorum filiorum Esau, qui habitant in Seir, et timebunt vos.

Original

Hebrew

English

…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.

Notes

Deuteronomy 2:2–25

Numbers 21:10–20 covers the same time period.

Deuteronomy 1:6–4:40

Secular treaties (formal agreements between nations) often included a section about the past relationship between the two partners. This section reviewed what had happened before the agreement.

In this case, the purpose was to review Israel’s successes and failures since the exodus from Egypt. It reminded the people that God had kept his word, even when they did not obey him.

To prepare the Israelites for life in Canaan, Moses reminded them about life in Egypt, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and their past mistakes. He warned them to obey God's covenant. He assured them that God's grace would follow them as they learned to trust and obey the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau

Related verses

Numbers 20:14–21
From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us,
Exodus 15:15
Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,
Deuteronomy 23:7
Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
Philippians 2:15
…so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
Obadiah 1:10–13
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 5:15
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Colossians 4:5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
Numbers 22:3–4
…and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.
Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Numbers 24:14–18
Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom

Places

Seir: Region inhabited by Edomites, descendants of Esau

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Seir (Place)

Topics

Edomites: Land of Edomites: Protected by Divine Command from Desolation by the Israelites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin: Orders Given Respecting Edom Seir: Later Inhabited by the Descendants of Esau After They Destroyed the Horim People The Edomites were Called: Children of Esau The Edomites: Dwelt in Mount Seir The Edomites: Israel Forbidden to Spoil

Deuteronomy 2:4

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