Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Deuteronomy 2:9
And 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.
9. Vex not Moab ] Treat not Moab as a foe.
neither contend with them ] See on Deu 2:5.
Ar ] ‘Ar (Num 21:15) or ‘Ar of Mo’ab ( id. 28) is in these passages a township, probably the same as ‘Ir, or City of, Mo’ab, on the border of Arnon at the end of the border (JE, Num 22:36). Musil identifies it with the strong site and ruins of Medeyyneh on an upper tributary of the W. Mjeb or Arnon (see below on Deu 2:24 ; Deu 2:36) on the edge of the desert ( Moab 247, 338 ff. with photo. and plan; cp. the present writer in Enc. Bibl., art. ‘Ar’ and Expositor, seventh series, vol. vii. 138 ff.). But in Syria names have been at all times apt to extend from towns, especially capitals, to their districts and vice vers. Here ‘Ar obviously is a district: the territory of Mo’ab. So in Isa 15:1, LXX render ‘Ar Mo’ab by . At the time of Israel’s march the name would cover all the land between the W. el-sa and the W. Mjeb or Arnon, to the S, of which Mo’ab were confined by the Amorites.
children of Lot ] Gen 19:37; Psa 83:8 (9).
Deu 2:9 is in the Sg. address and elided by Steuern. as the addition of a later hand. But some such warning as it gives in regard to the relations of Israel to Mo’ab was to be expected in this discourse, similar to that on Israel’s relations to Edom and ‘Ammon. The change to the Sg. may be due either to the fact that Moses himself is addressed or because for the moment Israel, in relation to Mo’ab, is regarded as a single whole. Sam. confirms the Heb. Sg.; but LXX has the Pl.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The Moabites and the Ammonites Deu 2:19 being descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham Gen 19:30-38, were, like the Edomites, kinsmen of the Israelites.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Ar, the chief city of the Moabites, Num 21:15,28, here put for the whole country, which depended upon it.
The children of Lot; so called to signify that this preservation was not for their sakes, for they were a wicked people; but for Lots sake, whose memory God yet honours.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And the Lord said unto me,…. When upon the borders of Moab:
distress not the Moabites, neither contend with than in battle; besiege not any of their cities, nor draw them into a battle, or provoke them to fight:
for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; at least not as yet, the measure of their sins not being fully up, and the time of their punishment not come; otherwise in David’s time they were subdued, and became tributaries to him, and the Edomites also, 2Sa 8:2,
because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession; so the Moabites were, they sprung from Moab, a son of Lot by his firstborn daughter, Ge 19:37. Ar was the metropolis of Moab, called Ar of Moab, Isa 15:1 and is here put for the whole country of Moab; so Aben Ezra interprets it of Moab. Jarchi says it is the name of the province; in the Septuagint version it called Aroer.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
9. And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites. He had previously forbidden them to enter the land of Edom, unless consent were obtained. A similar prohibition is now added with respect to the Moabites, because God had allotted to them the territory which they inhabited. As I have said, this was painful and burdensome, that they should cherish kindness and fraternal good-will towards those who treated them with hostility; but God desired in this respect also to prove the obedience of His people. He did not, then, take into consideration what this nation had dcserved; but, inasmuch as they were the descendants of Lot, and consequently of the race of Abraham, He desired to treat them with special favor. For the division of the whole world appertains to Him, so as to distribute to its various peoples whatever part He chooses, and to fix the bounds wherein they should confine themselves. If any object that the people of Canaan had also their limits assigned to them, and ought not, therefore, to have been expelled from the lands in which their forefathers had for many ages inhabited, the reply is easy, viz., that God is always free to take away what He has given, and to readjust the boundaries imposed by His will, when the sins of men deserve that this should be done. When, therefore, He declares that He had given their land to the Moabites, it is not according to the ordinary force of the expression, but by a fixed decree that their habitation should remain sure and undisturbed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) Distress not the Moabites . . . I have given Ar unto the children of Lot.The children of Lot, like those of Ishmael and Esau, had their earthly inheritance before the children of Abraham.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. Distress not the Moabites The Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were the kinsmen of the Israelites.
Ar Here the capital is put for the whole land of Moab.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Their Dealings With Moab (Deu Deu 2:8-13 a).
Moab too had been given possession of their land by Yahweh, because of His love for Abraham. Thus they too were not to be molested. And they were to note that in giving them the land He had dealt with the Emim, a people the equal of the Anakim.
This passage can be analysed as follows:
a They turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab (Deu 2:8 b).
b They were not to vex Moab or contend with them for Yahweh would not give Israel their land (Deu 2:9 a).
c For Yahweh had given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession (Deu 2:9 b).
d The Emim had previously dwelt in it who were a people great, numerous and tall like the Anakim (of whom Israel were afraid – Deu 1:28) (Deu 2:10).
d Indeed these are accounted as Rephaim, like the Anakim, but Moab call them Emim (Deu 2:11).
c The Horites had previously dwelt in Seir, but Esau had defeated them and dwelt in their land (Deu 2:12 a).
b But Israel would dwell in the land of their possession (which they had taken from Sihon and Og) which Yahweh had given them, and eventually in the whole land (Deu 2:12 b).
a They were now therefore to rise up and cross the Wadi Zered (Deu 2:13 a)
Note that in ‘a’ they took ‘the way of the wilderness of Moab’ and in the parallel they were to rise and cross the Wadi Zered. In ‘b’ Yahweh would not give them Moab as their land and they were therefore not to attack them, but in the parallel He would give them their own land, the land of the Canaanites and Amorites, for a possession, (and had already partly done so). In ‘c’ It was Yahweh who had given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession, and in the parallel He had give Seir to Esau for them to dwell in. And in ‘d’and parallel it is emphasised that they had driven out the Emim who were as fierce as the Anakim, and were equally seen as ‘Rephaim’ (possibly demi-gods).
Deu 2:8 b
‘And we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.’
Leaving Mount Seir they took ‘the way of the wilderness of Moab’. This would bring them into the vicinity of Moab. Although not as closely related as Esau these two were a ‘brother-tribe’.
Deu 2:9
‘ And Yahweh said to me, “Do not annoy Moab, nor contend with them in battle, for I will not give you (thee) of his land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.” ’
The same principle applied to Moab as to Edom. Their land too had been given to them by Yahweh. In their case it was because they were the children of Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Gen 13:5-11). Through Abraham blessing had come on many. Seeing these people also would be an encouragement of the fact that land which Yahweh gives to the peoples whom He chooses because they are sons of Abraham becomes theirs and remains theirs.
Thus they were not to fight with them or show belligerence towards them. Their land was not for Israel. Ar, their chief city, (compare the ancient poems in Num 21:15; Num 21:28) must remain unmolested.
Deu 2:9; Deu 2:16-19; Deu 2:37 are interesting in that ‘thou, thee’ is used of their relationship with Moab and Ammon whereas ‘ye, you’ was used of their relationship with Edom (Deu 2:4-6). But the historical facts demand the mention of both Edom and Moab, even if not of Ammon, for both were prominent on the journey. Thus the distinction would appear again to be stylistic, and to reflect the distinctions made in Deu 23:3-8, with Ammon and Moab being more remote than Edom in their relationship, (nation to nation rather than brother to brother), reflecting a very early period before the relationship with Edom soured and became one of antagonism.
Deu 2:10-12
‘ The Emim dwelt in it previously, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim, these also are accounted Rephaim, like the Anakim, but the Moabites call them Emim. The Horites also dwelt in Seir previously, but the children of Esau succeeded them, and they destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead, as Israel did to the land of his possession, which Yahweh gave to them.’
It is often disputed whether these are the words of Moses or a later note put in by a copier, but their significance suggests that they are an important part of the speech, and this is confirmed by the chiasmus. Such asides are commonplace with many speakers. We must remember that Israel had been in terror of the Anakim (Deu 1:28; Num 13:28). Thus Moses assured them that a similar people to the Anakim once dwelt in the land now possessed by Moab, but Moab had defeated them. There they were called the Emim, but they were seen as Rephaim just as the Anakim were, and they were as great, and as many, and as tall. Rephaim were later seen as ghostly figures (Psa 88:10; Isa 14:9; Isa 26:14; Isa 26:19). This may have arisen from the seeing of these tall figures flitting through the dark shadows of the trees prior to attacking the enemy and thus gaining a reputation for ghostliness, for Canaan was heavily forested. At Ugarit a parallel word rpu’m refers possibly to a class of minor gods or a sacred guild, and in Phoenician tomb inscriptions rp’m appears as signifying ghosts.
Furthermore, as well as being able to defeat them, Moab had been able to defeat the powerful Horites. We know little about the Horites, but see Gen 36:20; Gen 36:29-30. They were probably not Hurrians for they have Semitic names. They were defeated by Chederlaomer and his fellow-kings, as were the Rephaim and the Emim (Gen 14:5-6), which may have contributed to their downfall. Thus Moses wanted his people to know that none of these peoples were invincible, and that God could do the same for Israel.
“As Israel did to the land of his possession, which Yahweh gave to them.” At first sight this would seem to suggest that this was a later note inserted in the text, for it appears to look back to Israel taking the land of their possession as having happened in the past. But we must remember that at this stage Israel had already taken over a considerable part of the land of their possession in Gilead and Bashan. This may therefore simply be Moses’ (or Joshua’s) way of reminding them that not only had Moab overcome the equivalent of the Anakim but they too had already been victorious in the name of Yahweh and had successfully destroyed their enemies the Amorites and had received land as their possession. This is especially so as Israel did not in fact later destroy their enemies as they should have done.
Deu 2:13 a
“Now rise up, and get yourselves over the wadi Zered.”
Having passed by Esau, and having been given their instructions concerning Moab, they were to rise and cross the Wadi Zered which was the southern border of Moab.
Having passed by Edom they crossed the Wadi Zered between Edom and Moab.
The Crossing of the Zered (deu Deu 2:13-17 ).
This was clearly seen as a crisis point and is dated. Between the first visit to Kadesh and their arrival at the Zered thirty eight years had passed because of Yahweh’s ban on the men of war who had failed to respond to His command to enter Canaan. Note the emphasis on their obedience. They crossed the Zered as He had commanded. This new generation obeyed Yahweh explicitly. It may be that they also used the Zered valley as a passageway, moving along between Edom and Moab.
This can be briefly analysed as follows:
a They obediently crossed the River Zered in response to the command of Yahweh (Deu 2:13 b).
b Their journey from the first visit to Kadesh to their arrival here had taken 38 years, until that whole generation of men of war had been consumed as Yahweh had sworn would happen (Deu 2:14).
b The hand of Yahweh was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp, until they were consumed (Deu 2:15).
a And when all of them were consumed and dead from among the people Yahweh gave His further instructions to Moses (Deu 2:16-17).
Note that in ‘a’ they crossed the River Zered at Yahweh’s command, and in the parallel the command comes to move on. In ‘b’ the length of their time in the wilderness is given which was to last until all the men at arms were dead, and in the parallel that had occurred.
Deu 2:13 b
‘And we went over the wadi ( intermittent river) Zered.’
The crossing of the Zered is seen as a significant event. They were now approaching their first conquests in that part of the land that was east of Jordan. Their new beginning had commenced. So they immediately obeyed Yahweh and crossed the Zered.
Deu 2:14-15
‘ And the days in which we came from Kadesh-barnea, until we were come over the river Zered, were thirty eight years, until all that generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them. Moreover the hand of Yahweh was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp, until they were consumed.’
Thus since leaving Kadesh the first time thirty eight years had passed. In those thirty eight years the hand of Yahweh had ensured the deaths of all who had refused to enter Canaan who were of military age. None were left in the camp. Note that this only required the death of the males.
This solemn statement placed here in the midst of the descriptions of nations who had possessed their lands as a result of Yahweh’s goodness towards them, and because of their relationship to Abraham, again brings home the lesson that Israel’s similar possession will be dependent on obedience.
Deu 2:16-17
‘ So it came about that when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people, Yahweh spoke to me.’
Until the unbelieving men of war were dead Yahweh would do nothing positive about the invasion of Canaan, but as soon as this had occurred, and the last man had died, Yahweh gave His command to move forward.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver. 9. I have given Ar unto the children of Lot Ar, the capital of Moab, is here put for the whole country. Though the Moabites were now a wicked people; yet, for the sake of their pious ancestor, God would not have them dispossessed. Respecting the Emims, &c. mentioned in the following verses, see Gen 14:5. The history of the expulsion of the Emims by the Moabites, and of the Horites by the Edomites, is no where else recorded: but it seems to be mentioned here, as an encouragement to the Israelites, not to fear the stoutest enemies that should oppose their taking possession of the promised land.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Evidently this precept was intended to teach the people of GOD then, and through them the people of GOD in all ages, not to love the world neither the things of the world. They who are set out for Canaan, are to have no objects to allure or lead them out of the way. Sweet is that account of the Patriarchs, Heb 11:13-16 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Deu 2:9 And 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.
Ver. 9. Because I have given Ar. ] The royal city, set upon a hill. Num 21:15 ; Num 21:28 God, as a liberal Lord, gives not some small cottage or annuity, for life, to his elder servants, as great men use to do, but bountifully provides for them and theirs to many generations. Who would not serve thee then, O king of nations!
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the LORD [Hebrew. Jehovah. said unto me (or Moses). Occurs thirteen times in Deut.: Deu 2:9, Deu 2:31; Deu 3:2, Deu 3:26; Deu 4:10; Deu 5:28; Deu 9:12; Deu 10:1, Deu 10:11; Deu 18:17; Deu 31:2, Deu 31:14, Deu 31:16; Deu 34:4.
Distress not, &c. God judged both (2Ch 20:1-25. Amo 1:13-15).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
given Ar
A region east of the Dead Sea.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Distress not the Moabites: or, Use no hostility against Moab, Num 22:4, Jdg 11:17, 2Ch 20:10
Ar: Ar was situated south of the Arnon; and was called by the Greek writers Areopolis, and thought by them to be so named because the inhabitants worshipped , or Mars. St. Jerome says that it was destroyed by an earthquake when he was an infant. Burckhardt supposes that the ruins of a small castle called Mehatet el Hadj, may be the site of this ancient city. Deu 2:5, Num 21:15, Num 21:28
the children: Deu 2:19, Gen 19:36, Gen 19:37, Psa 83:8
Reciprocal: Gen 19:38 – children Deu 2:37 – unto the land Deu 29:16 – through the nations Jdg 11:15 – Israel took 2Ki 3:25 – Kirharaseth Isa 15:1 – Ar Jer 27:5 – and have
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2:9 And 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 {e} of Lot [for] a possession.
(e) Which were the Moabites and Ammonites.