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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 2 - Verse 12

2:12
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.

Meaning

In this verse, the Horims were a people who dwelt in Seir before the children of Esau. The Horims were a tribe of giants who were eventually conquered by the descendants of Esau. This passage highlights the transfer of power and land from one group to another through conquest, a common theme in the history of the ancient Near East that is also seen throughout the Bible. The mention of Israel in the verse serves to draw a parallel between the actions of the children of Esau and the actions of the Israelites, who similarly conquered the land of Canaan that was given to them by the LORD. This verse emphasizes the importance of divine providence in the establishment and succession of nations, as well as the theme of conquest and inheritance that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a historical account of the conquest of the land of Seir by the children of Esau. The Horims were the original inhabitants of Seir, but the Esauites succeeded them after destroying them from before them. This event is compared to the Israelites' conquest of the land of Canaan, which the Lord gave to them as their possession. This comparison highlights the divine guidance and intervention in the Israelites' conquests and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the lands and people of the earth. The mention of the Horims and their displacement by the children of Esau also signifies the ongoing struggles for control and power in the ancient world. Overall, this verse underscores the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to His chosen people, both in ancient times and throughout history.

American Standard Version

The Horites also dwelt in Seir aforetime, but the children of Esau succeeded them; and they destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which Jehovah gave unto them.)
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