Parashah: Devarim דְּבָרִים "Words"
Scripture References:
Torah: Deuteronomy 2:2 to 30
Haftarah: Obadiah 1
Apostolic Scriptures:
Romans 12:18 to 19
Hebrews 3:7 to 19
1 Peter 5:5 to 7
Luke 10:25 to 37
James 4:6 to 10
Key Themes
Recounting the Journey: Mosheh recounts Israel’s wilderness journey, highlighting Yahweh’s guidance and faithful presence.
Lessons in Obedience: Israel’s relationship with neighbouring nations ... particularly Edom ... demonstrates Yahweh’s principles of respect and boundary-keeping.
Judgment and Restoration: Obadiah’s prophecy over Edom reflects Yahweh’s ultimate justice and His faithfulness in upholding His covenant with Israel.
Ongoing Conflict: Contemporary conflict in the middle-east and its roots in jealousy, envy, hatred, and territorial disputes. The results of ignoring Yahweh’s proclaimed inheritances and land allocation covenants.
Significant Events and Details
Elohim’s Instructions for Passage: Yahweh’s directions on Israel’s interactions with Edom and other nations highlight respect for Yahweh’s boundaries and sovereignty.
Respecting Edom’s Territory: Edom is mentioned due to its familial link to Israel and Yahweh’s command to avoid conflict, setting a pattern of restraint and deference.
Entering New Territory: As Israel draws closer to the Promised Land, Yahweh’s guidance is evident in instructing them on navigating relationships with other nations.
Connections to Other Passages
Oḇaḏyah (Obadiah) 1: Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom shows Yahweh’s judgement against pride and hostility towards Israel. This resonates with Yahweh’s promise of protection over His people.
Luke 10:25 to 37: The Parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasising kindness toward others
Romans 12:18 to 19: Paul encourages believers to pursue peace with others as much as possible, while entrusting judgement and justice to Yahweh.
Ivrim (Hebrews) 3:7 to 19: The wilderness journey is used to warn against a hardened heart, emphasising the importance of faith and obedience to Yahweh’s guidance.
Yakov (James) 4:6 to 10: James cautions against pride, urging humility and submission to Yahweh, reminding us of the principle seen in Yahweh’s dealing with Edom.
1 Peter 5:5 to 7 – Encouragement to walk humbly, trusting in Yahweh’s care and sovereignty.
Life Application
Following Yahweh’s Instructions: Just as Israel was to avoid unnecessary conflict and respect boundaries, we are called to handle our relationships wisely, relying on Yahweh’s guidance.
Trust in Yahweh’s Timing and Provision: Israel’s journey teaches patience in waiting on Yahweh’s timing and provision, trusting Him to meet our needs.
Judgement and Humility: Obadiah’s message against Edom warns us to avoid pride and hostility, relying on Yahweh’s justice and maintaining a spirit of humility.
Watching the news: As we daily watch the news through a plethora of channels we do well to understand and recall the ‘roots’ which have ‘shoots’ in our day. Unlike the world around us, we should not be perplexed by the unending strife in the Middle East. The hatred. Jealousy, envy, and clamour for the land of Israel by those who have no right to the land of Israel and who consistently dispute with Yahweh over who owns the land of Israel and to whom He assigned it. They kick against the goads of Yahweh’s protection of Israel which is the core issue causing untold harm to themselves and Elohim’s chosen nation.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Shalom of Yerushalayim: Ask for Shalom for Israel, for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and for the continued fulfilment of Yahweh’s covenant promises.
Pray for humility and patience: in handling difficult relationships and conflicts.
Ask for favour: to trust Yahweh’s timing and provision in every area of life.
Pray: for the ability to act justly and compassionately towards others, following Yeshua’s example.
Questions for Further Study
How does Yahweh’s guidance in Israel’s journey reflect His patience and care?
What principles can we learn from Yahweh’s instructions regarding relationships with others?
How does Obadiah’s message connect to the Apostolic Scriptures teachings on pride and humility?
Why is the Middle-East in constant conflict?
How does Deuteronomy 2 educate us regarding resolution options for Israel?
Are we correct to just wait for Messiah to set His feet down on The Mount of Olives?
Key Hebrew Words and Concepts
Devarim (דְּבָרִים): "Words": The name of Deuteronomy, representing Mosheh’s words to Israel.
Edom (אֱדוֹם): Related to Esau’s descendants, Edom’s relationship with Israel and Yahweh’s ultimate judgement emphasise Yahweh’s justice.
Nachalah (נַחֲלָה) "Inheritance": Yahweh’s portion for each nation, a reminder of His sovereignty over lands and peoples and His Sovereign right to set the allocations and boundaries of lands.
Insights and Commentary
Yahweh’s Restraint and Fairness: The command to avoid conflict with Edom and others teaches Yahweh’s justice in respecting other nations’ inheritances.
Mosheh’s Recounting as a Call to Remember: Israel’s journey reflects Yahweh’s protection and serves as a reminder of the covenant.
Oḇaḏyah's (Obadiah's) Warning: Edom’s judgement reflects Yahweh’s protection of Israel and stands as a warning against pride and enmity.
In Summary
Parashat Devarim highlights Yahweh’s patience and provision throughout Israel’s journey and the importance of humility and respect in relationships and land grants made by Elohim. The parallel passages from the Apostolic Scriptures reinforce themes of humility, patience, and reliance on Yahweh’s guidance. Together, these passages call us to seek Yahweh’s wisdom in handling our own journeys and relationships. Above all … responding in humility to Yahweh’s Sovereignty!
Excursus: Yahweh’s sovereignty in assigning land
Let's delve into the themes of Yahweh’s sovereignty in assigning land to different people groups and His boundaries for Israel’s interactions with them as outlined in Deuteronomy 2:2 to 30 and Oḇaḏyah (Obadiah) 1. This Torah portion provides insight into Yahweh’s covenantal promises, His dealings with various nations, and His protection over Israel while respecting other people’s territories. Additionally, parallels from the Tanakh and the Apostolic Scriptures echo the significance of Yahweh's covenantal land promises, His just governance over all people groups, and His guidance for Israel.
Deuteronomy 2:2 to 30 Overview: Yahweh’s Instructions to Israel on Boundaries and Respect for Nations
In Deuteronomy 2, Yahweh instructs Israel not to engage in conflict with specific groups while traversing the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. Key instructions concern three groups: the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites. Yahweh specifically tells Israel to pass peacefully and respect these nations’ territories because He has given them their lands as inheritances. These people groups are descendants of Ěsaw (Esau) and Lot, respectively, and Yahweh’s covenantal blessings to their ancestors are acknowledged in His allotments.
Yahweh’s Assignments of Land to Different People Groups
Edomites (Descendants of Esau): Deuteronomy 2:4 to 6.
Yahweh instructs Israel not to engage Edom in battle because He has given Mount Seir to Esau’s descendants. Esau, Jacob’s brother, received blessings from Isaac, including prosperity and land (Genesis 27:39 to 40). This shows Yahweh’s faithfulness to His promises to Abraham’s family and His impartial dealings with Jacob and Esau.
Moabites and Ammonites (Descendants of Lot): Deuteronomy 2:9, 2:19.
Yahweh also commands Israel not to harass the Moabites and Ammonites because He has given them specific lands as an inheritance. Moab and Ammon, the sons of Lot, received land inheritances due to Lot’s relationship with Abraham (Genesis 19:37 to 38). Yahweh respects this covenantal family tie, bestowing these lands as per His promises and foreknowledge.
Historical Notes on Other People Groups: Deuteronomy 2:10 to 12, 2:20 to 23.
Israel is reminded of the previous inhabitants of these lands and how Yahweh displaced them, reinforcing that He is the supreme authority over all nations and peoples. This underscores that Yahweh’s control over territorial boundaries aligns with His purposes, both for Israel and other nations.
Obadiah (Oḇaḏyah): Yahweh’s Judgement on Edom
Obadiah primarily focuses on Yahweh’s pronouncement of judgement against Edom for their pride and mistreatment of Israel during times of distress. Although Yahweh granted Edom an inheritance in Mount Seir, He holds them accountable for their mistreatment of their “brother” Israel. This passage demonstrates Yahweh’s protective covenant with Israel and His judgement against nations that oppose His people.
Thematic Parallels in the Tanakh
Genesis 10: Table of Nations.
This chapter details the descendants of Noah’s sons and their respective lands, affirming Yahweh’s role in the distribution of territories among peoples.
Genesis 17:8: Promise of Canaan to Abraham and His Descendants.
Yahweh promises the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants, underscoring His sovereignty in assigning land as a covenantal blessing.
Numbers 20:14 to 21: Israel’s Respect for Edom’s Land.
As in Deuteronomy 2, Israel asks permission to pass peacefully through Edom. Edom’s refusal leads Israel to detour, showing Yahweh’s command to respect Edom’s boundaries, despite their hostility.
Amos 1:11 to 12: Judgement on Edom.
Similar to Obadiah, Yahweh pronounces judgement against Edom for their hostile actions against Israel, showing that He holds nations accountable for their treatment of His people.
Thematic Parallels in the Apostolic Scriptures
Acts 17:26: Yahweh’s Determination of Nations’ Boundaries.
Paul explains that Yahweh created all nations “from one blood” and set their boundaries and appointed times, reinforcing the message that Yahweh is sovereign over all lands and peoples.
Romans 9:10 to 13: Esau and Jacob’s Destinies.
Paul reflects on Yahweh’s sovereign choice between Jacob and Esau, showing that Yahweh’s purposes transcend human understanding and are based on His covenantal will rather than human merit.
Matthew 5:5: The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth.
Yeshua’s teaching reflects Yahweh’s approach in granting inheritances and His emphasis on humility. This contrasts Edom’s pride and foreshadows the ultimate inheritance given to those in Yeshua.
Hebrews 12:16 to 17: Esau’s Loss of His Birthright.
The author of Hebrews warns believers not to be like Esau, who forfeited his birthright. This passage ties in with the theme of Yahweh’s distribution of blessings and land according to covenant loyalty.
James 4:6: Elohim Opposes the Proud but Gives Grace to the Humble.
James (Yakov) reinforces Yahweh’s judgement on pride, which applies to Edom’s downfall as we see in Obadiah. Yahweh’s favour is extended to those who humbly accept His covenant, while those who oppose Him and His people face consequences.
Key Reflections on Yahweh’s Sovereignty and the Covenantal Inheritance
Yahweh’s Faithfulness to His Covenantal Promises:
Yahweh’s decision to assign land to the descendants of Esau and Lot emphasises His faithfulness to previous promises, even beyond the lineage of Israel. His covenant extends in unique ways to each people group according to His purpose.
Yahweh’s Justice and Sovereignty:
These passages highlight that Yahweh is not limited to Israel but is the sovereign Elohim of all nations. He oversees the nations’ boundaries and judges them according to their deeds. While Edom, Moab, and Ammon were given lands, they are still accountable to Yahweh for their actions toward Israel.
Respect for Yahweh’s Established Boundaries:
Israel’s respect for Yahweh’s commandments regarding Edom, Moab, and Ammon reflects Yahweh’s expectation of integrity and respect for other nations’ inheritances. Israel’s obedience in avoiding conflict over these lands exemplifies humility and submission to Yahweh’s sovereign will.
Yahweh’s Judgment Against Pride:
Edom’s ultimate downfall, as prophesied in Obadiah, stems from pride and hostility towards Israel. This teaches a timeless principle seen throughout Scripture: Yahweh opposes the proud but gives favour to the humble. His covenant with Israel and judgments against Edom reflect His justice and His commitment to Israel’s well-being.
In Summary
The study of Deuteronomy 2:2 to 30 and Oḇaḏyah (Obadiah) unveils Yahweh’s intricate design for different nations and His unwavering justice. While granting lands to various groups, Yahweh makes it clear that covenant loyalty is essential for maintaining His favour. The Apostolic Scriptures affirm this theme by illustrating Yahweh’s authority over all nations and the importance of humility, as seen in the teachings of Yeshua, Paul, and the author of Hebrews (Ivrim). Ultimately, Yahweh’s dealings with Israel, Edom, Moab, and Ammon showcase His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His expectation of justice, humility, and reverence among all nations.
Contemporary Tensions and Hostilities
Having laid the contextual foundations in all of the above, what can we deduce from the contemporary tensions and hostilities among the people groups mentioned above as they pertain to current affairs in the regions and nations mentioned?
Drawing from the Scriptural insights in Deuteronomy 2:2 to 30 and Obadiah 1 ... as well as the additional parallels in the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures ... we gain a nuanced understanding of Yahweh’s dealings with ancient nations such as Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Israel. The enduring relevance of these passages lies in the spiritual, political, and cultural dynamics that persist in the modern Middle East, where descendants of these ancient peoples or those claiming heritage still experience significant tension.
Key Contemporary Nations and Their Ancient Parallels
Edomites (traditionally associated with modern Jordan and parts of Saudi Arabia)
Moabites (connected historically to central Jordan)
Ammonites (tied to the northern region of modern-day Jordan)
Israelites (modern Israel)
The ancient relationships between these people groups have developed into enduring religious, cultural, and political legacies that contribute to ongoing conflicts. Let's break down some of these connections and tensions:
1. The Historical Mandate of Yahweh’s Sovereignty
Yahweh’s assignment of land to different people groups, along with the respect commanded for each nation’s territory, establishes a model of sovereignty and boundaries in the Middle East that we see disrupted today. Yahweh’s specific instruction for Israel to honour the boundaries of other nations reflects respect for the right given by Elohim to distinct groups. The ongoing tensions we see today ... including disputes over land, resources, and political control ... stem from conflicting interpretations of historical boundaries and the covenants associated with them.
In a spiritual sense, Yahweh’s sovereignty over boundaries, seen in both ancient Israel and the lands of Esau’s and Lot’s descendants, still resonates. Nations today may claim heritage to these lands, but Scripture demonstrates that the ultimate ownership of land belongs to Yahweh. Efforts to impose human control over Elohim’s assigned lands result in division and untold strife.
2. Territorial Conflicts and Identity Assertion
Contemporary Middle Eastern nations often identify with the descendants of ancient peoples, shaping their cultural identity and political agendas. For instance:
Jordan maintains a historical connection to Edom, Moab, and Ammon and provides residency to many so-called “Palestinian” people who seek recognition and homeland in the region, particularly related to the West Bank area.
Israel retains a national identity strongly tied to the Scriptural inheritance of the land of Canaan, with a covenantal understanding of their unique calling and connection to the land.
The Scriptural mandate in Deuteronomy 2 for Israel to respect the lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon emphasises Yahweh’s specific intention that these territories were meant to remain distinct. Contemporary struggles over these lands is a deviation from the original design that Yahweh set out, contributing to today’s geopolitical tensions and identity conflicts among these peoples.
3. The Consequence of Broken Covenants and Hostility: A Warning from Obadiah
Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom for its hostile treatment of Israel holds a critical lesson. Yahweh’s judgement on Edom for their aggression toward their “brother” Israel warns against inter-tribal or familial conflict. Modern conflicts often echo these ancient hostilities, with nations that might be considered “brothers” based on ancestry engaging in ongoing hostility and territorial disputes.
The persistence of such enmities, despite close ancestral ties, may be seen as a departure from the peace and mutual respect Yahweh originally intended. The Arab-Israeli conflicts and tensions with Palestinian territories reflect this fractured relationship. These hostilities stem from a neglect of the covenants and a flagrant disrespect for Yahweh’s boundaries! The lesson from Obadiah tells us that they carry spiritual consequences that echo Yahweh’s judgement on Edom.
4. Spiritual Insights: Accountability and Sovereignty
The ancient instructions Yahweh gave Israel about respecting the lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon underscore a principle of accountability to Elohim. Each nation was responsible for maintaining its covenantal boundaries and respecting others’ inheritances, as Yahweh had distributed them. Today, a lack of accountability and disregard for established boundaries fuel hostilities significantly.
In the Apostolic Scriptures, Paul’s message in Acts 17:26 resonates, as he states that Yahweh determined the times and boundaries of nations so that people might seek Him. Yahweh’s placement of distinct people groups was never arbitrary; it served a spiritual purpose. Conflict over boundaries disregards this purpose, diverting focus from seeking Yahweh toward striving over worldly power.
5. Paths Forward: Respecting Yahweh’s Sovereignty and Pursuing Peace
Reflecting on Deuteronomy 2 and Obadiah, contemporary peace efforts would benefit from acknowledging Yahweh’s original intent regarding lands and peoples. In the Middle East, where land disputes reflect a broader struggle over heritage, religion, and identity, there is an opportunity to rediscover principles of mutual respect, humility, and reverence for Yahweh’s ultimate sovereignty over all lands and people as seen by all who will read, listen to, and obey His Torah commands.
Summary Reflections and Deduction
Yahweh’s Sovereignty over Land: Modern nations should consider the role of Elohim’s sovereignty and covenants in land disputes and the spiritual significance of respecting Yahweh’s assignment of territories.
Ancestral Responsibility: There’s an accountability each group bears in treating their “brothers” justly, as per the Edom-Israel relationship in Obadiah, which warns against the consequences of pride and hostility.
Restoration through Humility: True peace may come from humility, acknowledging that neither political power nor human conflict will ultimately secure the lands Yahweh has allocated. The Scriptural principle that Yahweh grants inheritances calls for the respectful maintenance of boundaries and humility among peoples.
A Path Toward Reconciliation: Acknowledging shared ancestry and Yahweh’s role in dividing lands could help people embrace a vision of peace that transcends politics and prioritises spiritual unity.
In essence, today’s Middle Eastern tensions reflect deep-seated historical and spiritual dimensions. Understanding the Scriptural foundations of boundaries and land inheritances will inspire paths of reconciliation that honour Yahweh’s sovereignty and promote the respect and peace intended for these ancient and contemporary peoples.
From all of the above, let us elucidate and elaborate on the people group which seeks to "take Israel's inheritance" even while they "know" it belongs to Israel?
In Scripture, the group most directly associated with the intent to seize Israel's inheritance despite knowing its designation to Israel is Edom, the descendants of Esau. This rivalry, rooted in the brothers Esau and Jacob (Israel), is steeped in both spiritual jealousy and territorial ambition.
1. Historical Context: Esau’s Grievance and Edom’s Enmity
Esau (Esaw), Jacob’s (Yakov's) elder brother, forfeited his birth right for a meal (Genesis 25:29 to 34) and later lost his father’s blessing to Jacob as well (Genesis 27:1 to 40). These events established a foundation for centuries of tension, jealousy, and rivalry. Despite Yahweh’s explicit choice of Jacob and His covenantal promises to him and his descendants, Esau’s lineage ... Edom ... continually sought to assert its claim over the inheritance promised to Jacob’s descendants.
Psalm 83:1 to 4 and Ezekiel 35:10 provide insight into Edom’s intentions: Edom and allied nations explicitly sought Israel’s destruction and, by extension, her inheritance. The Edomites knew Israel’s land was given to Jacob by Elohim’s decree, yet they harbour a longstanding desire to seize it.
2. The Prophecy of Oḇaḏyah (Obadiah): Elohim’s Judgement on Edom
Oḇaḏyah 1:10 to 14 describes Edom’s ongoing hostility toward Israel, culminating in Yahweh’s severe judgement. The passage recounts Edom’s actions in a moment of Israel’s vulnerability ... likely during the Babylonian invasion ... when Edom not only failed to assist their “brother” Israel but also actively participated in seizing spoils, blocking escape routes, and even taking control of land. This was not a random act of aggression but a calculated move to gain control of Israel’s inheritance.
Oḇaḏyah’s prophecy clarifies that Yahweh’s judgement upon Edom is directly tied to their arrogance and disregard for Israel’s inheritance. By attempting to dispossess Israel, Edom was acting in defiance of Yahweh’s sovereign allocation of land, which Edom would have known but chose to ignore due to deep-seated resentment and ambition.
3. Modern Parallels and Spiritual Significance
Today, many commentators and theologians identify ideological and even political parallels between the ancient Edom-Israel rivalry and modern hostilities involving the State of Israel and certain neighbouring entities. Specifically, some believe that certain “Palestinian” claims on the land resonate with the Edomite spirit of seeking to claim Israel’s inheritance despite knowing its historical and spiritual ties to Israel. They KNOW that Elohim apportioned the land of Israel to the descendants of Yakov (Jacob) (Israel) … but they want it despite knowing that Elohim gave it to Israel.
Key Observations:
Claims on Jerusalem and Israel’s Borders: Just as Edom sought to claim land explicitly promised to Israel, there are groups today that assert claims over Jerusalem and other parts of Israel. This echoes Edom’s disregard for Yahweh’s assignment and the boundaries He established.
A Desire for Dispossession: The concept of “liberating” land from Israel, often reflected in certain political rhetoric and manifestos, aligns with Edom’s historical attempts to push Israel out of her inheritance. “From the river to the sea”, we’ve heard that a few times, haven’t we!
Ancestral and Spiritual Continuity: While political dynamics are complex, Scripture Informs us that these desires are not merely territorial but spiritually significant, reflecting an ancient pattern of opposition to Yahweh’s plans and promises for Israel which is pure rebellion and arrogance.
4. The Esau-Jacob Dynamic: A Spiritual War Over Inheritance
The enmity between Esau and Jacob manifests as a spiritual conflict over covenantal inheritance. This rivalry reflects deeper issues of rejection of Yahweh’s sovereignty and a desire for what He has specifically promised to another. Edom’s opposition to Israel, like that of some modern entities, mirrors a broader spiritual defiance rather than a mere political dispute.
5. Lessons for Israel and the Nations
For Israel, these Scriptures serve as a reminder of Yahweh’s faithful commitment to her inheritance. Sadly, the modern State of Israel is selective in its reading of Scripture. They want to quote the Torah with respect to land ownership but flagrantly ignore most of the Torah with regards to how the chosen people have been called to live. They glory in homosexuality, they glory in abortion, they glory in their manipulation of the mo’edim … they are a complete mess! Yet, Yahweh remains faithful to His promises! Despite generations of conflict, Israel’s existence and claim to the land endure as evidence of Yahweh’s covenant with Jacob. For the nations, the story of Edom is a warning against coveting Yahweh’s designated inheritance for another, whether spiritually or territorially.
In Conclusion: Yahweh’s Sovereignty and Israel’s Inheritance
The story of Edom’s ambition, traced through Scripture and echoed in modern times, underscores a central truth: Israel’s inheritance is protected by Yahweh’s covenant. While various groups may attempt to lay claim to this inheritance, the assignment by Elohim remains. The fate of Edom, as depicted in Obadiah, stands as a cautionary testament to any nation or people group that might covet or seek to take Israel’s inheritance, underscoring that Israel’s destiny is anchored in Yahweh’s unbreakable promise to Yakov (Jacob).
Abraham (Avraham) and Sarah’s Lineage:
Their son Isaac (Yitschak) married Rebekah (Rivkah). Isaac and Rebekah’s children were Esau (Esaw) (ancestor of the Edomites) and Jacob (Yakov) (ancestor of the Israelites (Yisraelites).
Abraham and Hagar’s Lineage:
Their son Ishmael became the progenitor of the Ishmaelites.
Abraham and Keturah’s Lineage:
After Sarah’s death, Abraham married Keturah and had six additional sons, one of whom was Midian, whose descendants became known as the Midianites.
Lot’s Lineage:
Lot, Abraham’s nephew, had two sons: Moab and Ammon, from whom the Moabites and Ammonites descended.
This family tree structure helps trace the historical roots of many significant people groups mentioned in the Tanakh, highlighting the complex lineage relationships and the tribal origins often seen throughout biblical narratives.
Areas Traditionally Associated with these Groups
Here’s a rough description of the areas traditionally associated with each of these groups in the ancient Near East, based on biblical and historical sources:
1. Israelites (Descendants of Jacob)
Location: Canaan, which eventually becomes known as Israel.
Key Areas:
Encompasses much of present-day Israel and parts of the West Bank.
Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethel, Shechem, and other key cities were within their inheritance.
Later it divided into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah).
2. Edomites (Descendants of Esau)
Location: Mount Seir region, south of the Dead Sea.
Key Areas:
Encompasses parts of modern-day southern Jordan and portions of the Negev Desert in Israel.
Petra (known as Sela in the Bible) is often associated with the Edomite territory.
3. Moabites (Descendants of Lot through Moab)
Location: East of the Dead Sea.
Key Areas:
Present-day central Jordan, particularly the plateau region east of the Dead Sea.
Key Moabite cities include Ar and Dibon.
4. Ammonites (Descendants of Lot through Ammon)
Location: North of Moab, east of the Jordan River.
Key Areas:
Present-day northern Jordan, near the modern city of Amman (named after the Ammonites).
Known cities include Rabbah (modern-day Amman).
5. Ishmaelites (Descendants of Ishmael)
Location: Nomadic groups primarily in the Arabian Desert.
Key Areas:
Spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, traditionally occupying desert regions.
Areas associated with Ishmaelite traders spanned from Egypt to the Gulf region, covering much of what is now Saudi Arabia.
6. Midianites (Descendants of Abraham and Keturah)
Location: Northwest Arabian Peninsula, near the Gulf of Aqaba.
Key Areas:
Extends into parts of modern-day northwestern Saudi Arabia, the Sinai Peninsula, and southern Jordan.
Midianites are often linked to areas near Mount Sinai.
These territories would eventually become zones of interaction, alliances, and conflicts among these groups and others in the ancient Near East. In this outline, these regions correlate with areas traditionally granted to each group, often determined by geographical landmarks like rivers, deserts, or mountain ranges.
Ancient tribes and their corresponding regions or nations today
The ancient family groups that descended from Abraham and Lot have strong historical, cultural, and territorial connections to various modern nations in the Middle East. Here’s a breakdown of the ancient tribes and their corresponding regions or nations today, bearing in mind that modern nation-states are distinct from these ancient tribal territories, yet there are identifiable connections based on historical migration and lineage traditions:
1. Israelites (Descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob)
Modern State: Israel
Notes: The Israelites are directly associated with the land that makes up modern-day Israel. This includes territories around ancient Canaan that were promised to Abraham’s descendants through Isaac and Jacob, including parts of Judea, Samaria, and areas in and around Jerusalem.
2. Ishmaelites (Descendants of Abraham through Hagar’s son, Ishmael)
Modern Regions/Nations: Various Arab nations, notably Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Notes: The Ishmaelites are traditionally linked to the Arab tribes who inhabit much of the Arabian Peninsula. Over centuries, Ishmael's descendants were understood to have intermingled with other Arab groups, and their influence expanded widely across the Arabian Peninsula.
3. Edomites (Descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother)
Modern Region: Southern Jordan (primarily around Petra), with historical associations extending toward parts of southern Israel.
Notes: The Edomites were based in the region southeast of Israel, primarily in the area of Mount Seir. In modern terms, this area aligns with parts of southern Jordan. The Edomites had a contentious relationship with Israel, which is reflected in historical and prophetic texts.
4. Moabites (Descendants of Lot through his elder daughter)
Modern Region: Central Jordan
Notes: The Moabites settled in the area east of the Dead Sea, now part of central Jordan. Their territory often brought them into contact and conflict with Israel, as detailed in the Tanakh.
5. Ammonites (Descendants of Lot through his younger daughter)
Modern Region: Northern Jordan, particularly around the region of Amman (the capital of Jordan, named after Ammon).
Notes: The Ammonites inhabited territory north of the Moabites and frequently interacted with ancient Israel. Their capital, Rabbah, corresponds to modern-day Amman in Jordan.
6. Midianites (Descendants of Abraham through Keturah)
Modern Regions: Northwestern Saudi Arabia, southern Jordan, Sinai Peninsula (Egypt).
Notes: The Midianites are historically associated with areas near the Gulf of Aqaba and parts of what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula. The Midianites were nomadic, and their range likely included parts of southern Jordan as well.
Summary of Modern Nations:
Israelites → Israel
Ishmaelites → Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Yemen (and other Arab nations)
Edomites → Southern Jordan (especially the Petra region)
Moabites → Central Jordan
Ammonites → Northern Jordan (around Amman)
Midianites → Northwestern Saudi Arabia, Sinai Peninsula, and parts of southern Jordan
These modern national alignments reflect ancient territories but should be viewed as approximate, as ancient tribal territories did not have rigid boundaries like today’s nation-states.
“‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this Law [Torah] by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amein.’
Deuteronomy 27:26 (ESV)
And Yeshua came and said to them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make talmidim of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Ruach HaKodesh, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (by doing them). And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18 to 20