Deuteronomy 2:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids Israel to attack Edom, since He has given that land to Esau's descendants.
The Context of Deuteronomy 2:5
God emphasizes that Israel must not encroach on Edomite territory despite their military advantage.
What Does Deuteronomy 2:5 Mean?
The word 'meddle' means to stir up, provoke, or attack. Despite Israel's military superiority and the Edomites' fear, God explicitly prohibits any aggression. This is not a matter of military weakness but of obedience to God's sovereign allocation of lands. Esau's line, like Jacob's, received a promised inheritance.
The principle is clear: God's covenant with Israel does not give them the right to take every land they encounter. Their role is to occupy the land God specifically promised to Abraham—Canaan. Respecting other nations' boundaries is part of keeping covenant with God, and shows that God's promises to different peoples are independent and valid.
Deuteronomy 2:5 in the Original Language
'Meddle' translates צָרַר (tsarar), 'to press, besiege, or provoke'—indicating hostile action, not mere contact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 2:5
What does Deuteronomy 2:5 mean?
God forbids Israel to attack Edom, since He has given that land to Esau's descendants.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 2:5?
God emphasizes that Israel must not encroach on Edomite territory despite their military advantage.