Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
Original Language Analysis
וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים
H5757
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
them and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
them and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כַּפְתֹּרִים֙
the Caphtorims
H3732
כַּפְתֹּרִים֙
the Caphtorims
Strong's:
H3732
Word #:
6 of 11
a caphtorite (collectively) or native of caphtor
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֣ים
which came forth
H3318
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֣ים
which came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִכַּפְתֹּ֔ר
out of Caphtor
H3731
מִכַּפְתֹּ֔ר
out of Caphtor
Strong's:
H3731
Word #:
8 of 11
caphtor (i.e., a wreath-shaped island), the original seat of the philistines
Cross References
Genesis 10:14And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.Joshua 13:3From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:Amos 9:7Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?Jeremiah 47:4Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.Jeremiah 25:20And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,
Historical Context
The Caphtorims (Philistines) migrated from Caphtor (Crete/Cyprus region) and settled in southern coastal Canaan, displacing the Avvim. Amos 9:7 confirms God directed even the Philistines' migration. This shows that while Israel was God's chosen people, He remained sovereign over all nations' movements and destinies. Providence is universal, not limited to the elect.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over all peoples and nations inform your understanding of His character?
- What comfort comes from knowing God directs all history, not just the history of His chosen people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The note about the Avims and Caphtorims describes yet another historical displacement—'the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.' This reference to non-Israelite conquest (Philistines from Crete/Caphtor displacing Avvites) shows God's sovereignty extends even to peoples outside the covenant narrative. All human history unfolds under divine providence, not just Israel's story.