Deuteronomy 2:4
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָם֮
thou the people
H5971
הָעָם֮
thou the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים
Ye are to pass
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֗ים
Ye are to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
6 of 16
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בִּגְבוּל֙
through the coast
H1366
בִּגְבוּל֙
through the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם
of your brethren
H251
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם
of your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 16
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּנֵֽי
the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים
which dwell
H3427
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים
which dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 16
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 #:
12 of 16
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
וְיִֽירְא֣וּ
and they shall be afraid
H3372
וְיִֽירְא֣וּ
and they shall be afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
13 of 16
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִכֶּ֔ם
H4480
מִכֶּ֔ם
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Exodus 15:15Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.Deuteronomy 23:7Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
Historical Context
Edom's descent from Esau made them related to Israel through Jacob. Despite past conflict (Genesis 27), God commanded respect for this familial connection and honored Esau's inheritance of Seir (Deuteronomy 2:5). This shows God's justice extends beyond Israel to other nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance pursuing God's promises while respecting others' legitimate boundaries?
- What relationships require careful wisdom and self-control to navigate well?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's command to inform the people they would 'pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau' establishes boundaries and relationships. Though Edom descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), ethnic connection didn't grant Israel military conquest rights. God's instruction to Israel 'take ye good heed unto yourselves' warns against presumption—not every nation was designated for conquest. Respecting boundaries honors God's sovereign distribution of lands.