Summary
In Deuteronomy 2 Moses recounts God’s instructions to avoid the peoples of Esau, Moab, and Ammon, whom God has already given to other descendants of Abraham. The Israelites are told to trade for food and water with these nations but must not settle their land. Moses describes the long march past Seir and the passage over the brook Zered, noting the generation of soldiers that has expired. God then authorizes the Israelites to cross the River Arnon and take the land of the Amorite king Sihon, whose city of Heshbon becomes the target of a battle. Sihon refuses to allow passage, but God hardens his heart and delivers the land to Israel. The chapter ends with the complete defeat of Sihon’s people, the capture of his cities, and a reminder of the divine promise that Israel will inherit the land, while prohibiting conquest of the Ammonites and other forbidden areas.