Deuteronomy 2 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2 Commentary

“Then we turned back …” Verse 1. Israel stood at the door to the Promised Land but fear and consequently doubt made them fail to enter the promised rest. They turned back. Of course, a trip back to Egypt wasn’t an option. God determined that Israel would never walk that path again.

For 40 years, it would be a trip to nowhere but somewhere.

“I have given Esau the hill country of Seir …” Verse 5. The LORD God retains a vested interest in matters beyond the borders of Israel. It isn’t exactly a protection of Esau against Israel or a protection of Israel against Esau. Divine transactions aren’t always exclusive, inclusive, dependent, or independent. These terms apply to humans! It’s humans who feel one’s boat can only remain afloat when other boats sink!

“You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat…” Verse 6. Yes, it rained manna. But they also bought (and we guess they also sold). There is an expectation that the saint buys and sells to sustain themselves – and they do so with others.

“The LORD’s hand was against them until he had completely eliminated them…” Verse 15. You don’t want God’s hand to work against you!

Abraham’s intercession for Lot (Genesis 18) seems to have lasted! The Moabites and Ammonites enjoyed immunity during the conquest of Canaan! Prayers can outlive the petitioner! Verse 19.

“For the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn…” If you are stubborn, know your end is near. But humility in obedience to God’s ways defeats wrath – we guess that should include God’s wrath!

Sihon’s stubborn heart led to his own downfall. The conquest had begun in earnest!

We could look at Sihon’s stubborn heart for our pick from this chapter. Each sinner has the chance to undo their own sinfulness by right decisions. Stubbornness wasn’t a godly way to respond to Israel’s request. You will have provided your own rope and pole for suicide!

Let the saints check themselves for sinful elements. These could be agents of destruction – time bombs planted in their lives. They must be defused by righteousness!

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