Deuteronomy 2:22
As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂה֙
As he did
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
As he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִבְנֵ֣י
to the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
them and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
them and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר
in Seir
H8165
בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר
in Seir
Strong's:
H8165
Word #:
6 of 17
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
from before
H6440
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁם֙
them and they succeeded
H3423
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁם֙
them and they succeeded
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
12 of 17
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
them and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
them and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
תַחְתָּ֔ם
H8478
תַחְתָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
14 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Genesis 36:8Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.Genesis 14:6And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto El-paran, which is by the wilderness.Deuteronomy 2:12The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.
Historical Context
Genesis 36 records Esau's settlement in Seir and the Horite inhabitants. The Horites' complete displacement by Edomites parallels Israel's coming conquest of Canaan. These historical parallels weren't coincidental but demonstrated God's consistent pattern of establishing peoples in their appointed lands through victory over previous occupants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations' histories affect your theology?
- What principles from others' experiences with God can inform your trust in His purposes for you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The comparison 'As he did to the children of Esau... when he destroyed the Horims from before them' provides another precedent for God empowering nations to displace previous inhabitants. The result 'they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead' describes complete territorial transfer. This historical pattern—repeated with Edom, Moab, Ammon, and now Israel—establishes God's sovereign control over all national destinies, not just Israel's.