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.

DEUTERONOMY 2:9KJV
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Deuteronomy 2:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:9 records God telling Moses not to harass or fight the Moabites because their land was not given to Israel; instead, God had already given the area called Ar to the descendants of Lot as their own possession. This verse sets a clear boundary for Israel’s journey, showing respect for land God assigned to others.

Moses is recounting how, during Israel’s journey to the Promised Land, God gave specific instructions about which territories Israel could and could not take. The Moabites, descended from Lot, were to be left undisturbed because God had given them their land, Ar, as their inheritance. This moment highlights that God’s promises and assignments of land extended beyond Israel to other peoples as well.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:9

  • Distress (צָרַר, tsarar): This word means to harass, provoke, or bring trouble. God’s command is not just about avoiding war, but also about not causing any kind of trouble or pressure for the Moabites.
  • Contend (תָּתְגָּרוּ, titgaru): This verb means to engage in conflict or provoke a fight. The instruction is clear that Israel should not pick a fight or challenge the Moabites in any way.
  • Possession (יְרֻשָּׁה, yerushah): This word refers to an inheritance or something given as a permanent holding. God’s gift of land to the children of Lot is described in the same terms as Israel’s own promised inheritance, emphasizing its legitimacy.

Why Deuteronomy 2:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s plans included boundaries and respect for other nations’ inheritances, not just Israel’s.
  • It shows that God’s care and promises extended to other descendants of Abraham’s family, such as Lot’s children, not only to Israel.
  • Deuteronomy 2:9 helps explain why Israel did not conquer every land they passed through, highlighting obedience to God’s specific instructions.

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 2:29 (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.

“possession” Hebrew H3425 · used in 12 verses

  • 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.
  • Deuteronomy 3:20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.
  • Judges 21:17 And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

“contend” Hebrew H1624 · used in 13 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:19 Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
  • Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

“Lot” Hebrew H3876 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
  • Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: