Deuteronomy 2:5
Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 19
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתְגָּר֣וּ
Meddle
H1624
תִּתְגָּר֣וּ
Meddle
Strong's:
H1624
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 19
(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 #:
5 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵֽאַרְצָ֔ם
you of their land
H776
מֵֽאַרְצָ֔ם
you of their land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 19
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כַּף
H3709
כַּף
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
11 of 19
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
רָ֑גֶל
no not so much as a foot
H7272
רָ֑גֶל
no not so much as a foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
12 of 19
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְרֻשָּׁ֣ה
for a possession
H3425
יְרֻשָּׁ֣ה
for a possession
Strong's:
H3425
Word #:
14 of 19
something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
God's grant to Esau predated the promise to Abraham's line through Jacob. This demonstrates God's providence extends to all nations—He is sovereign over human history broadly, not just redemptive history narrowly. Romans 9:13's 'Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated' concerns God's sovereign choice in redemptive purposes, not personal vindictiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between what God has promised you versus what belongs to others?
- In what areas might you be overreaching beyond God's specific calling for you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's explicit prohibition—'Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land'—defines limits to Israel's conquest. The reason given ('I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession') reveals God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. God assigns territories according to His purposes, and Israel must respect His decisions. This prevents presumptuous aggression disguised as faith and teaches that not every opportunity equals a divine mandate.