Definition: And [when] thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon [any] possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 2:19. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s plan for the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites to leave Ammon peacefully and not interfere with their lives. He’s giving them the land of Ammon as a temporary possession – a “gift” – but he’s also setting a boundary. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 2:19…” : This is a section of God’s law, essentially a set of rules and commands given to the Israelites. “…and [when] thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon…” : This refers to a military expedition or invasion by the Ammonites (a group of people in ancient Israel). “Near over against” means they are coming close to the borders of Israel’s territory. “distress them not, nor meddle with them:” : God is telling the Israelites not to be aggressive or interfere with the Ammonites. He doesn't want them to fight or cause trouble. It's a command to remain calm and avoid conflict. “for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession:” This is the crucial part. God is not giving the Ammonites any land outright. Instead, he’s reserving this land for a specific purpose – as a temporary possession for the Israelites. “because I have given it unto the children of Lot [for] a possession:” This connects to another story in the Old Testament called "Lot." God had originally given the land of Ammon to Lot, but he was greedy and didn't share it with his family. God is saying that this land – and the subsequent rights and possessions associated with it – is still under God’s control. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several important themes: God’s Sovereignty: It highlights God's absolute authority over all nations. He doesn’t interfere with the free will of others, even when they are causing trouble. Protection and Stewardship: It shows that God is protecting the Israelites and safeguarding their future by giving them a portion of land. Justice and Fairness: It's a reminder that God will ultimately reward those who honor him and follow his laws, while punishing those who disobey. In short, this verse is about God’s deliberate plan to protect his people and give them a piece of the land, but with conditions – he doesn’t want them to interfere with the Ammonites. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you'd like me to answer? For example: Would you like me to explain it in more detail? Are there any particular aspects you're curious about (like the connection to Lot)?