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Deuteronomy 2:8 - Divinely guided around Esav's land?

Deuteronomy 2:8 - דברים 2:8

Hebrew Text

וַנַּעֲבֹר מֵאֵת אַחֵינוּ בְנֵי־עֵשָׂו הַיֹּשְׁבִים בְּשֵׂעִיר מִדֶּרֶךְ הָעֲרָבָה מֵאֵילַת וּמֵעֶצְיֹן גָּבֶר וַנֵּפֶן וַנַּעֲבֹר דֶּרֶךְ מִדְבַּר מוֹאָב׃

English Translation

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of ῾Esav, who dwelt in Se῾ir, through the way of the ῾Arava from Elat and from ῾Eżyon-gever, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Mo᾽av.

Transliteration

Vanavor me'et acheinu vnei-esav hayoshvim b'seir miderech ha'arava me'eilat ume'etzion gaver vanefen vanavor derech midbar moav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֞ר מֵאֵ֧ת אַחֵ֣ינוּ בְנֵי־עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר מִדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ הָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה מֵאֵילַ֖ת וּמֵעֶצְיֹ֣ן גָּ֑בֶר <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        וַנֵּ֙פֶן֙ וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר דֶּ֖רֶךְ מִדְבַּ֥ר מוֹאָֽב׃
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֞ר מֵאֵ֧ת אַחֵ֣ינוּ בְנֵי־עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר מִדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ הָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה מֵאֵילַ֖ת וּמֵעֶצְיֹ֣ן גָּ֑בֶר {ס}        וַנֵּ֙פֶן֙ וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר דֶּ֖רֶךְ מִדְבַּ֥ר מוֹאָֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 2:8) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's journey through the wilderness, specifically detailing their passage near the territories of Esav's descendants (Edom) and Moav. The Torah emphasizes that Hashem commanded Bnei Yisrael not to provoke conflict with these nations, as they were granted their lands by divine decree (see Devarim 2:5-9).

Geographical and Historical Significance

Rashi explains that "the way of the Arava" refers to the arid valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Eilat. The mention of Eilat and Etzion Geber (a port city near Eilat) indicates that Bnei Yisrael skirted the southern border of Edom to avoid confrontation. The Ramban adds that this route was chosen to fulfill Hashem's instruction not to wage war with Esav's descendants, as they were kinsmen (Bereishit 36:8).

Relationship with Esav's Descendants

The phrase "our brethren, the children of Esav" underscores the familial bond between Yaakov and Esav, despite their historical tensions. The Sforno notes that this language serves as a reminder that even when conflicts arise, the Torah demands ethical conduct toward relatives. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10b) further discusses the boundaries of interaction with Edom, reflecting the delicate balance between kinship and separation.

Turning Toward the Wilderness of Moav

The shift in direction—"we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moav"—highlights another divine prohibition against provoking Moav (Devarim 2:9). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:21) explains that Moav, though not granted the same permanent status as Edom, was temporarily protected due to their lineage from Lot (Avraham's nephew). This demonstrates Hashem's precision in executing justice for all nations.

Lessons in Divine Providence and Diplomacy

  • Respect for Allocated Lands: The verse reinforces that Hashem assigns territories to nations, and Bnei Yisrael must honor these boundaries (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 5:1).
  • Moral Conduct in Conflict: Even when passing near hostile nations, Bnei Yisrael were commanded to avoid unnecessary strife (Malbim).
  • Historical Continuity: The reference to Esav as "brethren" reminds us of the enduring familial ties, despite past conflicts (Kli Yakar).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites avoid conflict with the children of Esav (Esau)?
A: The Torah teaches us the importance of respecting familial ties and avoiding unnecessary conflict. Since Esav was the brother of Yaakov (Jacob), Hashem commanded the Israelites not to provoke war with his descendants (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). Rashi explains that this was to honor the bond between the brothers, despite their past conflicts.
Q: What is the significance of the locations mentioned (Se'ir, Arava, Elat, Etzyon-Gever)?
A: These locations mark the route the Israelites took around Edom (descendants of Esav) and Moav. Se'ir was the territory of Esav's descendants (Genesis 36:8), while the Arava refers to the Jordan Valley. Elat and Etzyon-Gever were ports near the Red Sea. The Torah details this journey to show how Hashem guided Israel carefully, avoiding conflicts with related nations.
Q: Why did the Israelites go through the wilderness of Moav instead of taking a direct route?
A: Hashem instructed the Israelites to avoid provoking Moav (Deuteronomy 2:9), as they were descendants of Lot (Avraham's nephew). The Talmud (Chullin 60b) teaches that this demonstrates ethical conduct—even when passing through lands, we must respect the rights of others and not cause unnecessary strife.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' detour around Edom and Moav?
A: This teaches the importance of derech eretz (proper conduct) and shalom (peace). Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) explains that even during travel or conquest, Jews must first seek peaceful solutions and avoid unnecessary battles. The Torah emphasizes acting with wisdom and restraint.