Definition: The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a really important verse from the Old Testament, and it speaks about God’s plan for Israel after they left Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's long-term plans for his people, and how they need to live according to His will. It’s saying that even though the Israelites were initially a little bit rebellious and wandered off course, God eventually gave them the land they had been promised. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 2:12” : This is the name of the verse itself – a section from the book of Deuteronomy. It's a specific part of Old Testament law and instruction. “The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime…” : This refers to a group of people called the Horims who lived in the region of Seir, which was near the Mediterranean Sea. They were a bit of an outsider and weren’t fully accepted by the Israelites. Think of them as being a little separated from the main group. “…but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them…” : This is the crucial part. The Hebrew word “children of Esau” refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel’s father), who was the brother of Joseph. The Horims destroyed the Israelites – they actively pushed them away and made it difficult for them to establish themselves in the land. “…and dwelt in their stead…” : This means that after the Horims were expelled, the Israelites, under God’s guidance, established a new place for themselves – the land that God had given them. “as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them” : This is where it connects back to the original promise God made to Abraham and his descendants. The Israelites were given the land of Canaan (the Promised Land) by God – this was a huge blessing! The verse says that just as Israel did something wrong with the land, they are now living according to God’s plan in that land. In simpler terms: God eventually gave them the land, and then, through their faithfulness and obedience (even when they messed up), they established a permanent place for themselves there. It's a promise of blessing and a reminder that God’s plan is always about leading people to the good. Why is this verse important? It shows that God doesn't just give things once and then forget about them. He works with his people, even when they make mistakes. It emphasizes God's faithfulness and the importance of living a righteous life – obeying His laws – so he can bless us with a good land. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific event or story in the Bible?