King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:7 in the King James Version says “For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wildernes... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

Deuteronomy 2:7 · KJV


Context

5

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. no: Heb. even to the treading of the sole of the foot

6

Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

7

For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

8

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

9

And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. Distress: or, Use no hostility against Moab


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Israel to purchase food and water from Edom rather than take it by force, because 'the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand.' This demonstrates several principles: God's provision for Israel in the wilderness (they had resources to buy supplies), respect for Edomite territory (descended from Esau, Jacob's brother), and trust in God's past faithfulness. The phrase 'he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness' reveals God's intimate awareness of and involvement in Israel's journey. The forty-year period proved God's sustaining power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom occupied the region south and southeast of the Dead Sea, in modern southern Jordan. The Edomites descended from Esau (Genesis 36), making them blood relatives of Israel. Despite past hostilities (Numbers 20:14-21, when Edom refused Israel passage), God commanded respect for Edom's borders. Archaeological evidence confirms Edomite settlements in this period. This command shows God's sovereignty over international relations and boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's command to respect Edom's territory demonstrate the importance of honoring established boundaries?
  2. What does God's provision for Israel in the wilderness teach about trusting Him in seasons of scarcity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּי֩1 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 22

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙3 of 22

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בֵּֽרַכְךָ֗4 of 22

hath blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בְּכֹל֙5 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה6 of 22

thee in all the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדֶ֔ךָ7 of 22

of thy hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יָדַ֣ע8 of 22

he knoweth

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לֶכְתְּךָ֔9 of 22

thy walking

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

אֶת10 of 22
H853

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

הַמִּדְבָּ֥ר11 of 22

wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

הַגָּדֹ֖ל12 of 22

through this great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַזֶּ֑ה13 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

זֶ֣ה׀14 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים15 of 22

these forty

H705

forty

שָׁנָ֗ה16 of 22

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְהוָ֤ה17 of 22

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙18 of 22

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עִמָּ֔ךְ19 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לֹ֥א20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חָסַ֖רְתָּ21 of 22

hath been with thee thou hast lacked

H2637

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

דָּבָֽר׃22 of 22

nothing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause


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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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