Deuteronomy 2:19
And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
Original Language Analysis
וְקָֽרַבְתָּ֗
And when thou comest nigh
H7126
וְקָֽרַבְתָּ֗
And when thou comest nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 22
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
מ֚וּל
over against
H4136
מ֚וּל
over against
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֤וֹן
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּ֤וֹן
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
4 of 22
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 22
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּצֻרֵ֖ם
distress
H6696
תְּצֻרֵ֖ם
distress
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
6 of 22
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 22
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתְגָּ֣ר
them not nor meddle
H1624
תִּתְגָּ֣ר
them not nor meddle
Strong's:
H1624
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נְתַתִּ֥יהָ
because I have given
H5414
נְתַתִּ֥יהָ
because I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵאֶ֨רֶץ
thee of the land
H776
מֵאֶ֨רֶץ
thee of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
13 of 22
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֤וֹן
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּ֤וֹן
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
15 of 22
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
יְרֻשָּֽׁה׃
any possession
H3425
יְרֻשָּֽׁה׃
any possession
Strong's:
H3425
Word #:
17 of 22
something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵי
it unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:9And 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.2 Chronicles 20:10And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;
Historical Context
Ammon, like Moab, descended from Lot through incestuous union with his daughters (Genesis 19:38). Despite this shameful origin, God protected Ammon's territorial rights, showing that His mercy transcends human failure. Later, Ammon would oppose Israel (Judges 11; 1 Samuel 11), yet at this point God commanded restraint, teaching that current obedience matters more than future hostility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's protection of peoples outside His covenant people challenge nationalistic or exclusive thinking?
- What restraint is God calling you to exercise despite apparent opportunity or justification for action?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's instruction regarding Ammon—'distress them not, nor meddle with them'—extends the same restriction placed on Edom and Moab. The reason 'for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession' clarifies divine land distribution. The additional explanation 'because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession' shows God's promises extend beyond Abraham's line. His sovereignty includes gracious provision for other descendants.