Dt. 2: ...And We Wandered.

Deuteronomy 2:13 "And the LORD said, "Now get up and cross the Zered Valley." So we crossed the valley."

Moses continues recounting the Isrealites' journey in the desert.

A couple of the highlights include when they passed through the land of Edom, Esau's descendants. Back in Numbers 20, it says they turned away, but here in Duder, it says they were careful when they went through, and paid for any food and water. But maybe I'm splitting hairs between passing through, and passing by.

I find Deuteronomy 2:7 a rather fascinating insight into the heart of God during a time of discipline. While he was punishing Israel for their unbelief, at the same time, God was "watching over their journey through this vast desert." How many deserts do you pass through, and assume God isn't watching or caring? Even in a time where God is upset with the Israelites for a pretty grievous sin, He has set this precedent where he still lovingly watches over them, provides for them ("...you have not lacked anything..."), and protects them.

When it comes to Moab, God told them not to mess with the Moabites, because they have their promised land already. God won't even allow the dispossession of promised land away from those who aren't his chosen people. The same goes for the Ammonites. Moab and Ben-Ammi both are the result of Lot's daughters' drunken incest. Both of them had conquered land inhabited at one point by people called Rephaites, which appears to be a race of giants.

Interesting that in verse 14, it is recounted that it took 38 years to go from Kadesh Barnea to the Zered Valley. I find that ridiculous. On a clear day, you could probably see that far. Had to be absolutely aggravating, like waiting to decide what degree you want to pursue in college, or what career God wants you in. But, like it says in verse 13, when God said "Move," they moved.

Moses then recounts the story of how they defeated Sihon the Amorite, and how Israel was going to be feared in the hearts of other nations. God hardened Sihon's heart, and made him obstinate. And here in Duder, God explains why. It was so that he would be delivered over to Israel. Same with the Pharaoh, I would assume.