Deuteronomy 2: Group Study Handout

Overview

The journey begins in the wilderness as the people encircle Mount Seir (vv. 1-3). Yahweh instructs them to pass through the land of Esau without conflict.

Key verse

“Yahweh said to me, “Don’t bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you any of his land for a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:9 (WEB)

Outline

1. Deuteronomy 2:1–3 Journey Begins in the Wilderness
2. Deuteronomy 2:4–6 Instructions Regarding Edom
3. Deuteronomy 2:7–8 God's Provision in the Wilderness
4. Deuteronomy 2:9–12 Instructions Regarding Moab
5. Deuteronomy 2:13–15 End of the Old Generation
6. Deuteronomy 2:16–23 Instructions Regarding Ammon and Historical Background
7. Deuteronomy 2:24–37 Conflict with Sihon and Victory

Discussion questions

1. In v3, what does Yahweh tell the Israelites to do after encircling the mountain?
2. In v7, what has Yahweh provided for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness?
3. God's command in v19 not to contend with Ammon raises questions about His sovereignty and justice: how does this relate to Israel's future?
4. In v30, why does it say Yahweh hardened Sihon's spirit, and how does this affect our understanding of free will?
5. When have you felt led to avoid conflict, as the Israelites did with Esau and Moab in this chapter?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 2: Numbers 21, Judges 11, Deuteronomy 1.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 3.