Deuteronomy 2:19 Study Bible: and when you come near over against the children of Ammon, do not bother them, nor contend with them; for I will not give you of the land of the children of Ammon for a possession; because I have given it to the children of Lot for a possession."

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 2 > Verse 19

◄ Deuteronomy 2:19 ►

But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession."

Study Bible

But when you get close to the Ammonites
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). This phrase indicates the Israelites' journey as they approached the territory of the Ammonites. The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their land was situated north of Moab, another nation descended from Lot. The Israelites were instructed to respect the boundaries of the Ammonites, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereign distribution of land among nations.

do not harass them or provoke them
This command underscores the principle of respecting God's ordained boundaries and the peaceful coexistence with neighboring nations. The Israelites were to avoid conflict with the Ammonites, as their land was not part of the inheritance promised to Israel. This reflects a broader biblical theme of living peaceably with others when possible (Romans 12:18). It also demonstrates God's justice and faithfulness in honoring His promises to other peoples, not just Israel.

for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites
God explicitly states that the land of the Ammonites is not part of Israel's inheritance. This reinforces the idea that God has a specific plan and purpose for each nation. The Israelites were to trust in God's provision and timing for their own inheritance, which was the land of Canaan. This phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His authority to allocate lands according to His will.

I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.
This statement highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, even to those outside the covenant community of Israel. The descendants of Lot, through his daughters, were granted their own territories, demonstrating God's grace and provision. This allocation of land to the Ammonites and Moabites (Lot's other descendants) is a testament to God's broader plan for humanity and His care for all peoples. It also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of biblical history, as Lot was closely related to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ammonites
A people descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River.

2. Lot
Nephew of Abraham, who settled in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. His descendants include the Ammonites and Moabites.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Moses, journeying to the Promised Land.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received God's commandments and guidance for the people.

5. Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

Respect for God's Sovereignty
God has established boundaries and possessions for different peoples. We must respect His decisions and trust His wisdom in the distribution of resources and territories.

Understanding God's Promises
Just as God had specific promises for the Israelites, He also had plans for other nations. Recognizing God's broader plan helps us understand His justice and mercy.

Peaceful Coexistence
The Israelites were instructed not to provoke the Ammonites. This teaches us the importance of living peacefully with others and respecting their God-given rights.

God's Faithfulness to His Word
God's promise to Lot's descendants was honored, showing His faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

Historical Context and Its Relevance
Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us apply biblical principles to modern situations, such as respecting others' rights and boundaries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the origins of the Ammonites and their relationship to Lot help us comprehend God's instructions in Deuteronomy 2:19?

2. In what ways does God's command to the Israelites to avoid conflict with the Ammonites reflect His character and His plans for different nations?

3. How can we apply the principle of respecting God-given boundaries in our personal and communal lives today?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can we see this faithfulness in our own lives?

5. How can the concept of peaceful coexistence, as demonstrated in this passage, be applied to current global or local conflicts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19:36-38
This passage describes the origins of the Ammonites and Moabites, who are descendants of Lot. It provides context for why God gave them their land.

Deuteronomy 2:5, 9
These verses similarly instruct the Israelites not to harass the Edomites and Moabites, showing a pattern of respecting the lands given to other descendants of Abraham's family.

Acts 17:26
This verse speaks to God's sovereignty in determining the times and boundaries of nations, which relates to God's allocation of land to the Ammonites.

Sermons

God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the Covenant	R.M. Edgar	Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International Relationships	D. Davies	Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, Ammon	J. Orr	Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, Etc	J. Orr	Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24

People

Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites

Places

Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, Zered

Topics

Ammon, Ammonites, Approach, Attack, Belonging, Bother, Cause, Comest, Contend, Descendants, Distress, Frontier, Harass, Hast, Heritage, Lot, Meddle, Nigh, Opposite, Over-against, Possession, Provoke, Sons, Stir, Thyself, Trouble, Vex, War

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Deuteronomy 2:14

5694 generation

Library

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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