Deuteronomy 2
Main Highlights
Moses recounts Israel's journey through the wilderness, highlighting God's commands not to harass certain nations (Edom, Moab, Ammon) and His provision for them. It also details the conquest of Sihon and Og, demonstrating God's power in giving Israel victory.
Key Verses
"Then the Lord said to me, "You have been traveling around this mountain country long enough. Turn northward.""— Deuteronomy 2:3
"See, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to take possession, that you may inherit his land."— Deuteronomy 2:31
"This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you."— Deuteronomy 2:25
Scholar Insight
"Deuteronomy 2 emphasizes God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to give Israel victory. It also shows God's justice in respecting the boundaries He has set for other peoples." - Daniel I. Block, Deuteronomy: New International Biblical Commentary
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn about God's sovereignty and His specific guidance. He directs their path and determines which nations they should avoid. "And the Lord said to me, "Do not harass Moab or contend with them in battle, for I will not give you any of their land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the people of Lot for a possession."" - Deuteronomy 2:9
How is Christ Connected?
The provision and victory God gives Israel foreshadows the provision and victory that Jesus gives to believers over sin and death. Jesus, as the greater Moses, leads His people to their spiritual inheritance and triumphs over their spiritual enemies, just as God led Israel to their physical inheritance. "See, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to take possession, that you may inherit his land." - Deuteronomy 2:31
What Theology concept is taught?
This chapter clearly illustrates the doctrine of Divine Providence, demonstrating God's active involvement in the minute details of history. He orchestrates events and directs human hearts to fulfill His sovereign purposes, ensuring Israel's journey and victories align with His divine plan. "The Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand, as he is this day." - Deuteronomy 2:30
Do we see Law or Grace?
This chapter presents both God's law and His grace in action. The law is evident in God's specific commands to Israel, setting boundaries and prohibitions regarding which nations they were not to engage in conflict with, such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon. Grace is profoundly displayed in God's active provision, protection, and empowerment, granting Israel victory over Sihon and Og, thereby fulfilling His promise to give them land. "This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you." - Deuteronomy 2:25
Personal Application
We should respond by trusting in God's guidance, even when it doesn't make sense, and by being obedient to His specific commands. We should also recognize that we are not in control, but God has a plan that He is working out. "Only the land of the people of Ammon did you not go near, that is, along the river Jabbok and the cities of the hill country, all that the Lord our God had forbidden." - Deuteronomy 2:37
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