New International VersionSo we went on past our relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion Geber, and traveled along the desert road of Moab.
New Living Translation“So we bypassed the territory of our relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We avoided the road through the Arabah Valley that comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber. “Then as we turned north along the desert route through Moab,
English Standard VersionSo we went on, away from our brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road from Elath and Ezion-geber. “And we turned and went in the direction of the wilderness of Moab.
Berean Standard BibleSo we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.
King James BibleAnd when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
New King James Version“And when we passed beyond our brethren, the descendants of Esau who dwell in Seir, away from the road of the plain, away from Elath and Ezion Geber, we turned and passed by way of the Wilderness of Moab.
New American Standard Bible“So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road, away from Elath and Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed through by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
NASB 1995“So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road, away from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed through by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
NASB 1977“So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road, away from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed through by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Legacy Standard Bible“So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road, away from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed through by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Amplified Bible“So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who lived in Seir, away from the Arabah (wilderness) road, away from Elath and from Ezion-geber. Then we turned and passed through by the way of the Wilderness of Moab.
Christian Standard Bible“So we bypassed our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road and from Elath and Ezion-geber. We traveled along the road to the Wilderness of Moab.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo we bypassed our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road and from Elath and Ezion-geber. We traveled along the road to the Wilderness of Moab.
American Standard VersionSo we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Contemporary English VersionWe went past the territory that belonged to our relatives, the descendants of Esau. We followed Arabah Road that starts in the south at Elath and Ezion-Geber, then we turned onto the desert road that leads to Moab.
English Revised VersionSo we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo we passed by our relatives, the descendants of Esau, who lived in Seir. We turned off the road that goes through the plains to Elath and Ezion Geber and took the road that goes through the desert of Moab.
Good News Translation"So we moved on and left the road that goes from the towns of Elath and Eziongeber to the Dead Sea, and we turned northeast toward Moab.
International Standard VersionSo we bypassed our relatives, the descendants of Esau who live in Seir. We turned through the Arabah desert from Elath, and from Ezion-geber we traveled the desert road to Moab."
NET BibleSo we turned away from our relatives the descendants of Esau, the inhabitants of Seir, turning from the desert route, from Elat and Ezion Geber, and traveling the way of the Moab wastelands.
New Heart English BibleSo we passed by from our brothers the descendants of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Eilat and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.
World English BibleSo we passed by from our brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd we pass by from our brothers, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, by the way of the plain, by Elath and by Ezion-Gaber, and we turn and pass over the way of the wilderness of Moab;
Young's Literal Translation 'And we pass by from our brethren, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, by the way of the plain, by Elath, and by Ezion-Gaber; and we turn, and pass over the way of the wilderness of Moab;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd we shall pass by our brethren the sons of Esau, dwelling in Seir, from the way of the sterile region from Elath, and from Ezion-Gaber, we shall turn and shall pass over the way of the desert of Moab. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when we had passed by our brethren the children of Esau, that dwelt in Seir, by the way of the plain from Elath and from Asiongaber, we came to the way that leadeth to the desert of Moab.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when we had passed through our brothers, the sons of Esau, who were living at Seir by the way of the plain from Elath and from Eziongeber, we arrived at the way which leads to the desert of Moab.
New American BibleSo we passed by our relatives, the descendants of Esau who live in Seir, leaving behind us the Arabah route, Elath, and Ezion-geber. Then we turned and passed on toward the wilderness of Moab.
New Revised Standard VersionSo we passed by our kin, the descendants of Esau who live in Seir, leaving behind the route of the Arabah, and leaving behind Elath and Ezion-geber. When we had headed out along the route of the wilderness of Moab, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, and from the way of the desert plain, from Elath and from Ezion-gaber we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd we passed through from the presence of our brethren the children of Esau, dwelling in Seir, and from the way of Arabah, and from Ailath, and from Izinugaber, and we turned and we passed through the way of the wilderness of Moab. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah, from Elath and from Ezion-geber. And we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd we passed by our brethren the children of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, by the way of Araba from Aelon and from Gesion Gaber; and we turned and passed by the way of the desert of Moab.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Wanderings in the Wilderness… 7Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. 8So we passed byour brothers,the descendantsof Esau,who livein Seir.We turned awayfrom the Arabahroad,which comes up from Elathand Ezion-geber,and traveledalong the roadof the Wildernessof Moab.9Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”…
Cross References Numbers 20:14-21From 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, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. ...
Judges 11:17-18Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. / Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.
1 Kings 9:26King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.
2 Chronicles 8:17Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom.
Isaiah 16:8For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea.
Jeremiah 48:34There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up.
Ezekiel 25:8-9This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land.
Amos 2:1This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned to lime the bones of Edom’s king.
Matthew 4:25Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Mark 3:8Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.
Luke 6:17Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.
John 10:40Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and He stayed there.
Acts 2:9-11Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, / Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, / both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Romans 15:19by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
Treasury of Scripture And when we passed by from our brothers the children of Esau, which dwelled in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. And when Numbers 20:20,21 And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand… Judges 11:18 Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnonwas the border of Moab. Elath 1 Kings 9:26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, whichis beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom. Eloth 2 Kings 14:22 He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers. 2 Kings 16:6 At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. Jump to Previous ArabahChildrenDesertDirectionDwellDweltElathEsauEzionEziongaberEzion-GaberEzion-GeberE'zion-Ge'berLiveMoabPassedPlainRoadSeirSe'irTraveledTurnedWayWildernessJump to Next ArabahChildrenDesertDirectionDwellDweltElathEsauEzionEziongaberEzion-GaberEzion-GeberE'zion-Ge'berLiveMoabPassedPlainRoadSeirSe'irTraveledTurnedWayWildernessDeuteronomy 2 1.The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites9.nor with the Moabites16.nor with the Ammonites24.but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by themSo we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir.The Israelites' journey involved passing by the territory of Edom, inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. This highlights the familial relationship between the Israelites and Edomites, rooted in Genesis 25:23, where God tells Rebekah about the two nations in her womb. The Edomites, living in Seir, were not to be harassed or provoked, as instructed in Deuteronomy 2:4-5, because God had given them their land. This reflects God's sovereignty in allotting lands to different peoples and His respect for the covenant with Abraham's descendants, including Esau. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber,
The Arabah is a desert region extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Elath and Ezion-geber were significant port cities at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, known for trade and commerce. This route was a major trade artery, indicating the Israelites' strategic movement to avoid conflict with Edom. The decision to turn away from this road underscores the importance of obedience to God's command to avoid confrontation with Edom, as well as the practical need to navigate through less hostile territories. and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.
The Wilderness of Moab refers to the region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37). The Israelites' journey through this area was part of their broader movement towards the Promised Land. Moab, like Edom, was not to be attacked, as God had given this land to the descendants of Lot. This passage highlights the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs. The journey through Moab also sets the stage for future interactions with the Moabites, including the story of Balaam and the eventual conquest of Canaan. Persons / Places / Events 1. Descendants of EsauThe Edomites, who are the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. They lived in the region of Seir. 2. SeirA mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, located southeast of the Dead Sea. 3. Arabah RoadA route that runs through the Arabah, a desert region stretching from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. 4. ElathA port city on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, significant for trade and travel. 5. Ezion-geberAnother port city near Elath, known for its strategic location and trade routes. 6. Wilderness of MoabA desert area east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites, descendants of Lot. Teaching Points Respect for BoundariesThe Israelites respected the boundaries of Edom, showing the importance of honoring agreements and respecting others' territories. God's GuidanceThe journey reflects God's guidance in leading His people through difficult terrains and situations. Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical and geographical context enriches our comprehension of biblical accounts. Trust in God's PlanEven when faced with obstacles, trusting in God's plan and timing is crucial for spiritual growth. Peaceful RelationsThe passage encourages seeking peaceful relations with neighboring communities, even when past conflicts exist. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:8?
2.How does Deuteronomy 2:8 demonstrate God's guidance during Israel's journey?
3.What lessons can we learn from Israel's obedience in Deuteronomy 2:8?
4.How does Deuteronomy 2:8 connect to God's promises in Genesis?
5.How can we apply Israel's journey in Deuteronomy 2:8 to our lives today?
6.What does Deuteronomy 2:8 teach about trusting God's timing and direction?
7.What historical evidence supports the journey described in Deuteronomy 2:8?
8.How does Deuteronomy 2:8 reflect God's guidance in the Israelites' journey?
9.Why is the passage through Moab significant in Deuteronomy 2:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2?
11.In Deuteronomy 33:2, how do we reconcile the claim of God's appearance from Sinai, Seir, and Paran with the lack of archaeological evidence for these events?
12.Deuteronomy 2:12 claims the Horites were displaced by the Edomites; is there historical or archaeological proof supporting this takeover?
13.Deuteronomy 8:2 - Where is the archaeological evidence for a large population wandering 40 years in the wilderness?
14.How does 2 Kings 14:7's claim of killing 10,000 Edomites align with the lack of archaeological evidence for such a battle?What Does Deuteronomy 2:8 Mean So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir• The term “brothers” is intentional, recalling the twin sons of Isaac—Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:23). Though centuries have passed, God still recognizes this blood bond. • Earlier in the chapter the LORD commanded, “Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land” (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). Israel’s obedience here shows respect for God-given family boundaries. • This restraint contrasts sharply with Edom’s earlier refusal to let Israel pass (Numbers 20:14-21) and highlights that God’s people must honor His word even when wronged. •Obadiah 10 andMalachi 1:3 later record Edom’s hostility, but in this moment Israel demonstrates grace and self-control. • Practical takeaway: Bloodlines and past grievances do not override God’s command to live at peace when He sets the terms (Romans 12:18).
We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber• The Arabah is the valley stretching from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Elath and Ezion-geber are strategic ports on that gulf (1 Kings 9:26), valuable for trade and copper smelting. • Turning off this main highway signals deliberate obedience. Israel does not seize a tempting commercial route; the LORD has not allotted it to them (Deuteronomy 2:5). • God guides even the detours:Psalm 32:8 promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Choosing submission over self-determination trains the nation for the battles ahead in Canaan (Joshua 1:7).
and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab• Moving east of the Dead Sea, Israel skirts Moab’s border. Immediately after, God says, “Do not harass Moab” (Deuteronomy 2:9). Another nation’s inheritance is off-limits. • This route sets up the future encampment in the plains of Moab where Moses will deliver Deuteronomy and where Joshua will soon lead the people across the Jordan (Numbers 33:48-49;Joshua 3:1). • The wilderness schooling continues: God disciplines, feeds, and readies His people (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). • Centuries later, Ruth the Moabitess will enter Messiah’s lineage (Ruth 4:17;Matthew 1:5), showing that God’s boundaries today can serve larger redemptive purposes tomorrow.
summaryDeuteronomy 2:8 records a simple geographic move that reveals profound truths. Israel honors family ties with Edom, submits to God-defined borders, resists the allure of strategic advantage, and proceeds along a path chosen by the LORD. The verse models obedience, restraint, and trust—qualities that anchor every step toward the Promised Land and remain essential for God’s people in every generation. (8) When we passed . . . from . . . Esau . . . through the way of the plain from Elath.--The route from Seir, after Esau's refusal, was southwardto Ezion-geber, at the head of the Gulf of Akabah, and Elath, a few miles south-east of Ezion-geber, on the same coast. They then turned northward,and going round the territory of Edom, reached the country of Moab. Verse 8. - And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we, etc. Rather, And we passed by from (away from) our brethren the sons of Esau, who dwelt in Self, from (off from, i. e. alongside, but at some distance from) the way of the ' Arabah, from (off from) Elath and from Ezion-geber. And so, in obedience to the Divine command, the Israelites passed from the territory of the Edomites without entering it, and went by their border on the east side of the 'Arabah, and from beside Elath and Ezion-geber, both ports at the northern extremity of the Elanitie Gulf of the Red Sea ( Numbers 33:35). Thus they came to where they were then encamped, in the steppes of Moab. "Probably they followed the still used caravan route to Damascus, between the east side of the cultivated laud, and the west side of Arabia Deserta" (Schroeder). Elath or Eloth ( אֵילות אֵילַת, palmgrove) - the Αἰλὰθ of Josephus, 'Antiq.,' 9:12; the Αλανα of Ptolemy (5:17) - was a city of Idumea, situated on the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. Its ruins are still traceable near the modern fortress of Akabah, on the northwest (Burckhardt, p. 509; Robinson, 1:241). Ezion-geber ( עֶצֶיון גֶבֶר, backbone of a man, so called probably from the rugged and jagged rocks in its vicinity), a seaport near to Elath (cf. 1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 20:36).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So we passed byוַֽנַּעֲבֹ֞ר(wan·na·‘ă·ḇōr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onour brothers,אַחֵ֣ינוּ(’a·ḥê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 251:A brother, )the descendantsבְנֵי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Esau,עֵשָׂ֗ו(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacwho liveהַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙(hay·yō·šə·ḇîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin Seir.בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר(bə·śê·‘îr)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8165:Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in JudahWe turned awayוַנֵּ֙פֶן֙(wan·nê·p̄en)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6437:To turn, to face, appear, lookfrom the Arabahהָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה(hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6160:Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galileeroad,מִדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙(mid·de·reḵ)Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionwhich comes up from Elathמֵאֵילַ֖ת(mê·’ê·laṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 359:Eloth -- 'grove of lofty trees'and Ezion-geber,גָּ֑בֶר(gā·ḇer)Conjunctive waw, Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6100:Ezion-geber -- a city on the shore of the Gulf of Aqabaand traveledוַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר(wan·na·‘ă·ḇōr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onalong the roadדֶּ֖רֶךְ(de·reḵ)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionof the Wildernessמִדְבַּ֥ר(miḏ·bar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057:A pasture, a desert, speechof Moab.מוֹאָֽב׃(mō·w·’āḇ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124:Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:8 So we passed by from our brothers (Deut. De Du) |
