Let us pass through your land;This request is made by the Israelites to the Edomites as they journey towards the Promised Land. The Israelites are seeking permission to pass through Edom, which is located south of the Dead Sea. This request reflects the Israelites' desire to avoid conflict and respect the territorial boundaries of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. The historical context here is significant, as it highlights the familial connection between Israel and Edom, yet also the tension that exists between them. This request is reminiscent of the earlier request made to the Amorites in
Numbers 21:21-22, showing a pattern of seeking peaceful passage.
we will stay on the main road.
The main road, or "King's Highway," was a major trade route in the ancient Near East, running from the Gulf of Aqaba in the south to Damascus in the north. By promising to stay on this road, the Israelites are assuring the Edomites that they will not disrupt local life or infringe upon private lands. This route was crucial for commerce and communication, and its use by the Israelites underscores their intention to pass through quickly and without incident. The mention of the main road also indicates the strategic planning of the Israelites' journey, as they seek the most direct and established path.
We will not turn to the right or to the left.
This phrase emphasizes the Israelites' commitment to staying on the designated path and not deviating into Edomite territory. It reflects a promise of non-aggression and respect for Edom's sovereignty. Biblically, the concept of not turning to the right or left is often associated with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen inJoshua 1:7 andProverbs 4:27. Here, it underscores the Israelites' intention to adhere strictly to their agreement and avoid any actions that might be perceived as hostile or invasive. This commitment to a straight path can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of faithfulness and obedience to God's will.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is speaking to the king of Sihon, requesting passage through his land.
2.
IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land.
3.
King SihonThe Amorite king of Heshbon, whose land the Israelites sought to pass through.
4.
HeshbonThe territory ruled by King Sihon, located east of the Jordan River.
5.
The Main RoadThe path the Israelites intended to take, symbolizing a direct and righteous path.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Staying on the PathJust as the Israelites sought to stay on the main road, Christians are called to remain on the path of righteousness, avoiding distractions and temptations.
Seeking Peaceful PassageMoses' request to King Sihon reflects a desire for peace and respect for others' boundaries, teaching us to pursue peace in our interactions.
Obedience to God's DirectionThe commitment to not turn aside symbolizes obedience to God's commands, reminding believers to follow God's guidance without deviation.
Trust in God's ProvisionThe Israelites' journey required trust in God's provision and protection, encouraging us to rely on God in our own journeys.
The Consequences of RejectionKing Sihon's refusal led to his defeat, illustrating the consequences of rejecting God's people and plans.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:27?
2.How does Deuteronomy 2:27 demonstrate respect for others' boundaries and property?
3.What can we learn about communication from "Let me pass through your land"?
4.How does Deuteronomy 2:27 relate to Jesus' teaching on loving your neighbor?
5.In what ways can we apply the principle of peaceful negotiation today?
6.How does this verse encourage us to seek peaceful resolutions in conflicts?
7.What is the historical context of Deuteronomy 2:27?
8.How does Deuteronomy 2:27 reflect God's guidance to Israel?
9.What is the significance of the "King's Highway" in Deuteronomy 2:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2?
11.In Deuteronomy 1:2, how can an 11-day journey become a 40-year wander, and is there historical or logical support for such a timeline discrepancy?
12.Numbers 27:1-11 compared to Deuteronomy 21:15-17: Why do inheritance rules seem to evolve, potentially contradicting the idea of unchanging divine law?
13.Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?
14.What is gleaning in the Bible?What Does Deuteronomy 2:27 Mean
Let us pass through your land;- Historical snapshot: Moses, speaking for Israel, sends messengers to Sihon of Heshbon, requesting peaceful passage (Deuteronomy 2:26;Numbers 20:14-17).
- Respect for boundaries: The plea recognizes Sihon’s legitimate authority over his territory, modeling God-given respect for civil rulers (Romans 13:1).
- Pursuit of peace: Israel initiates diplomacy before any conflict, in line with later commands to offer peace first (Deuteronomy 20:10-12;Proverbs 16:7;Romans 12:18).
- Trust in God’s timing: Though God had already promised victory (Deuteronomy 2:24-25), Israel still issues a courteous request, illustrating that faith and courtesy are not opposed.
we will stay on the main road.- Clarity of intent: “The King’s Highway” ran north–south; staying on it avoided fields and villages, minimizing disruption (Numbers 21:22).
- Accountability: Limiting movement made their actions observable, deterring misconduct (1 Peter 2:12).
- Spiritual echo: Remaining on the clearly marked path pictures steadfast obedience (Proverbs 3:6;Isaiah 35:8).
• Our walk should be straightforward, avoiding detours that tempt compromise (Hebrews 12:13).
We will not turn to the right or to the left.- Assurance of integrity: The phrase stresses absolute commitment to the stated route—no hidden agenda or territorial claim (Deuteronomy 5:32).
- Covenant faithfulness: Israel aims to act consistently with God’s earlier orders not to seize land He had assigned to others (Deuteronomy 2:4-6, 9, 19).
- Moral pattern: Scripture often uses this wording for unwavering obedience to God’s Word (Joshua 1:7;Proverbs 4:25-27).
• Believers today are called to the same straight-ahead loyalty, refusing distractions that undermine witness (Philippians 3:13-14).
summaryDeuteronomy 2:27 captures Israel’s polite, transparent request to cross Sihon’s land without disturbance. Each clause highlights peaceable intent, personal integrity, and unswerving direction—principles that reflect God’s character and guide His people. Even though Sihon ultimately refused (Deuteronomy 2:30-31), the verse teaches us to seek peace first, walk the clear path God sets, and remain steadfast, neither veering right nor left, confident that the Lord oversees every step.
Verse 27. -
Along by the high way; literally,
by the way,
by the way,
i.
e. always, continuously by the way, the public road, called in
Numbers 20:17 and Numbers 21:22, "the king's way," probably because made and kept up by the king.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Let us passאֶעְבְּרָ֣ה(’e‘·bə·rāh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthrough your land;בְאַרְצֶ֔ךָ(ḇə·’ar·ṣe·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landwe will stay on the main road.בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ(bad·de·reḵ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionWe will notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noturnאָס֖וּר(’ā·sūr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5493:To turn asideto the rightיָמִ֥ין(yā·mîn)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3225:The right hand, side, the southor to the left.וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃(ū·śə·mō·wl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8040:Dark, the north, the left hand
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:27 Let me pass through your land: (Deut. De Du) 
