King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:22 in the King James Version says “As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeede... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

Deuteronomy 2:22 · KJV


Context

20

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

21

A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:

22

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

23

And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)

24

Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. begin: Heb. begin, possess


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comparison 'As he did to the children of Esau... when he destroyed the Horims from before them' provides another precedent for God empowering nations to displace previous inhabitants. The result 'they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead' describes complete territorial transfer. This historical pattern—repeated with Edom, Moab, Ammon, and now Israel—establishes God's sovereign control over all national destinies, not just Israel's.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 36 records Esau's settlement in Seir and the Horite inhabitants. The Horites' complete displacement by Edomites parallels Israel's coming conquest of Canaan. These historical parallels weren't coincidental but demonstrated God's consistent pattern of establishing peoples in their appointed lands through victory over previous occupants.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over all nations' histories affect your theology?
  2. What principles from others' experiences with God can inform your trust in His purposes for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙2 of 17

As he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִבְנֵ֣י3 of 17

to the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֵשָׂ֔ו4 of 17

of Esau

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ5 of 17

them and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר6 of 17

in Seir

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִשְׁמִ֤יד8 of 17

when he destroyed

H8045

to desolate

אֶת9 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽחֹרִי֙10 of 17

the Horims

H2752

a chorite or indigenous idumaean

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 17

from before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיִּֽירָשֻׁם֙12 of 17

them and they succeeded

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ13 of 17

them and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

תַחְתָּ֔ם14 of 17
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

עַ֖ד15 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם16 of 17

in their stead even unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃17 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 2:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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