Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 2:9. It’s a really important message about God’s care and protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying to the people of Moab (a group of people living in the region of modern-day Israel) that he won't interfere with them, and he won’t fight against them. He’s giving Ar – a large family – land for a specific purpose. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Distress not the Moabites…” : This is a warning to avoid causing trouble or harm to the people of Moab. It's about protecting them from conflict. “…neither contend with them in battle…” : This means God doesn’t want to actively fight against them. He wants to keep the peace. “Because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot…” : This is the key part! The verse connects this to a story about a large family named Lot. The Story of Lot and the Land: In the Old Testament, Lot was a very wealthy man who had a huge family and a large house (a "possession") in a place called Moab. God decided that Lot's descendants would inherit this land. It wasn’t a contest to fight; it was about ownership . God’s Gift: God gave the land to Lot for a specific reason – it was his property. Giving it Away: Instead of taking over the land, God decided to give it to Lot's descendants. It wasn't a punishment or an attack; it was a way of preserving the land and ensuring its future. So, what does this verse mean in a broader sense? God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control and doesn't want to interfere with human affairs unless it's for a good reason. Protection & Stewardship: It emphasizes that God protects people and gives them opportunities, but he also respects their freedom and independence. Trusting God: It’s a reminder to trust in God’s plan, even when things seem difficult or chaotic. In short, this verse is about God's care and protection, focusing on giving land to a family for a specific purpose while maintaining peace and stability. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme (like forgiveness)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?