(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.

DEUTERONOMY 2:29KJV
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Deuteronomy 2:29 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:29 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:29 refers to how the Israelites were allowed to pass peacefully through the lands of the descendants of Esau in Seir and the Moabites in Ar, as they journeyed toward the land across the Jordan River that God was giving them. The verse recalls these earlier examples to emphasize that Israel is requesting similar passage from another group.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, recounting their journey and the way other nations had previously treated them. He is reminding them that, just as the descendants of Esau (Edomites) and the Moabites allowed Israel to travel through their territories without conflict, they are now seeking the same treatment as they approach the land God promised them. This sets the stage for Israel’s approach to other nations and highlights their intention to pass peacefully.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:29

  • יָשַׁב (yashav, H3427) — "dwell": This word is used for both the children of Esau and the Moabites, showing their settled presence in their respective lands (Seir and Ar). It emphasizes that these were established peoples with recognized territories.
  • עָבַר (avar, H5674) — "pass over": This verb describes the act of crossing or passing through, especially in reference to crossing the Jordan River. It signals the Israelites’ movement toward the land God is giving them, not settling in these lands.
  • יַרְדֵּן (Yarden, H3383) — "Jordan": Naming the Jordan River marks a significant boundary. It is the last major obstacle before entering the Promised Land, highlighting the nearness of Israel to their destination.
  • נָתַן (natan, H5414) — "giveth": This verb is used for God giving the land to Israel, stressing that the land is a gift from God, not something Israel is taking by their own power.

Why Deuteronomy 2:29 matters

  • Deuteronomy 2:29 clarifies that Israel’s intention was peaceful passage, not conquest, as they traveled through neighboring lands. This corrects any impression that Israel was always aggressive in its approach to other nations.
  • The verse connects Israel’s journey to God’s promise, reminding the people that their destination—the land across the Jordan—was something God was actively giving them, not just a goal of their own making.
  • By recalling the cooperation of the Edomites and Moabites, the verse sets a precedent for how Israel hoped to interact with other nations, highlighting a pattern of seeking peaceful solutions where possible.

Where else these words appear

“Ar” Hebrew H6144 · used in 6 verses

  • 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 2:18 Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day:

“Moabites” Hebrew H4125 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:11 Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.
  • Ruth 2:6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:
  • 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

“Seir” Hebrew H8165 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

“Esau” Hebrew H6215 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;
  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.