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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/05_Deu_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 2:1 - Wanderings in the Wilderness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-46.htm" title="Deuteronomy 1:46">◄</a> Deuteronomy 2:1 <a href="/deuteronomy/2-2.htm" title="Deuteronomy 2:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the LORD had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Then we turned around and headed back across the wilderness toward the Red Sea, just as the LORD had instructed me, and we wandered around in the region of Mount Seir for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea, as the LORD told me. And for many days we traveled around Mount Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness of the Way of the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and we skirted Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and we circled Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and circled Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and circled Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Yahweh spoke to me, and circled Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, just as the LORD had told me; and we circled Mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had told me, and we traveled around the hill country of Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had told me, and we traveled around the hill country of Seir for many days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Jehovah spake unto me; and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We spent many years wandering around outside the hill country of Seir, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We went back into the desert, following the road that goes to the Red Sea as the LORD had told me. For a long time we traveled around the region of Mount Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />we finally turned and went into the desert, on the road to the Gulf of Aqaba, as the LORD had commanded, and we spent a long time wandering about in the hill country of Edom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"We turned and set out for the desert on the road to the Reed Sea, just as the LORD had directed me. We traveled around Mount Seir for many days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned and set out toward the desert land on the way to the Red Sea just as the LORD told me to do, detouring around Mount Seir for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Lake of Reeds, as the LORD spoke to me; and we encircled Mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spoke to me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Yahweh spoke to me; and we encircled Mount Seir many days. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“And we turn and journey into the wilderness, the way of the Red Sea, as YHWH has spoken to me, and we go around Mount Seir [for] many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And we turn, and journey into the wilderness, the way of the Red Sea, as Jehovah hath spoken unto me, and we go round the mount of Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And turning and removing to the desert the way of the sea of sedge, as Jehovah spake to me: and encompassing mount Seir many days.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And departing from thence we came into the wilderness that leadeth to the Red Sea, as the Lord had spoken to me: and we compassed mount Seir a long time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“And setting out from there, we arrived at the wilderness which leads to the Red Sea, just as the Lord had spoken to me. And we encompassed Mount Seir for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then we turned and proceeded into the wilderness on the Red Sea road, as the LORD had told me, and circled around the highlands of Seir for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />we journeyed back into the wilderness, in the direction of the Red Sea, as the Lord had told me and skirted Mount Seir for many days. <div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THEN we turned, and journeyed into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me; and we circled mount Seir for many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />"And we turned and we moved to the wilderness in the way of the Sea of Reeds, as LORD JEHOVAH said to me, and we circled the mountain of Seir many days.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke unto me; and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And we turned and departed into the wilderness, by the way of the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and we compassed mount Seir many days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=430" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/2.htm">Wanderings in the Wilderness</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: wan·nê·p̄en (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">Then we turned back</a> <a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: wan·nis·sa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">and headed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: ham·miḏ·bā·rāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">for the wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">by way</a> <a href="/hebrew/5488.htm" title="5488: sūp̄ (N-ms) -- Reeds, rushes. Probably of Egyptian origin; a reed, especially the papyrus.">of the Red</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yam- (N-msc) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">Sea,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had instructed me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">and for many</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: wan·nā·sāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">we wandered around</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har- (N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">Mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/8165.htm" title="8165: śê·‘îr (N-proper-fs) -- Formed like sa'iyr; rough; Seir, a mountain of Idumaea and its aboriginal occupants, also one in Palestine.">Seir.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>At this time the LORD said to me,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Numbers 21:4</a></span><br />Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Deuteronomy 1:40</a></span><br />But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-25.htm">Numbers 14:25</a></span><br />Now since the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-21.htm">Numbers 20:21</a></span><br />So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/33-36.htm">Numbers 33:36-37</a></span><br />They set out from Ezion-geber and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin. / They set out from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the outskirts of the land of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-18.htm">Judges 11:18</a></span><br />Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-4.htm">Psalm 107:4</a></span><br />Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-13.htm">Isaiah 63:13</a></span><br />who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Exodus 13:18</a></span><br />So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-22.htm">Exodus 15:22</a></span><br />Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Acts 7:36</a></span><br />He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-17.htm">Hebrews 3:17-18</a></span><br />And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-5.htm">1 Corinthians 10:5</a></span><br />Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-18.htm">Acts 13:18</a></span><br />He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-8.htm">Hebrews 3:8-9</a></span><br />do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spoke to me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.</p><p class="hdg">we turned</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Deuteronomy 1:40</a></b></br> But <i>as for</i> you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-25.htm">Numbers 14:25</a></b></br> (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.</p><p class="hdg">we compassed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-2.htm">Deuteronomy 1:2</a></b></br> (<i>There are</i> eleven days' <i>journey</i> from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Numbers 21:4</a></b></br> And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-18.htm">Judges 11:18</a></b></br> Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon <i>was</i> the border of Moab.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/36-38.htm">Circled</a> <a href="/genesis/19-4.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/numbers/27-23.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/revelation/4-3.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-19.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Red</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Route</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Seir</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Se'ir</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-46.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-45.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Way</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Circled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-14.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-8.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-6.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">Red</a> <a href="/judges/8-11.htm">Route</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-17.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Seir</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Se'ir</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-8.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-9.htm">nor with the Moabites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-16.htm">nor with the Ammonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-24.htm">but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by them</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then we turned back</b><br>This phrase indicates a change in direction for the Israelites. After their initial refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear and lack of faith, God commanded them to turn back into the wilderness. This turning back symbolizes a period of discipline and preparation, as God was not yet ready to lead them into Canaan due to their disobedience.<p><b>and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea</b><br>The wilderness journey by the way of the Red Sea refers to the Israelites' movement southward, away from the Promised Land. The Red Sea, or Yam Suph, is significant as it was the site of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This journey back into the wilderness represents a return to a place of testing and reliance on God, echoing their earlier experiences of God's provision and guidance.<p><b>as the LORD had instructed me</b><br>This highlights Moses' obedience to God's command. Despite the people's rebellion, Moses remained faithful to God's instructions. It underscores the importance of leadership that adheres to divine guidance, even when the path is difficult or seems regressive. This obedience is a recurring theme in Moses' leadership and is a model for faithfulness.<p><b>and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir</b><br>Mount Seir is the mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The wandering around Mount Seir signifies a prolonged period of waiting and testing. This time was necessary for the older generation to pass away and for a new generation to rise, one that would trust in God's promises. The wandering also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the patience required in God's timing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who is recounting their journey and the instructions given by God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who are journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a></b><br>The desert area where the Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/red_sea.htm">Red Sea</a></b><br>The body of water that the Israelites crossed miraculously during their exodus from Egypt.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hill_country_of_seir.htm">Hill Country of Seir</a></b><br>The region associated with the descendants of Esau, where the Israelites wandered.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_instructions.htm">Obedience to God's Instructions</a></b><br>The Israelites' journey was directed by God, emphasizing the importance of following His guidance even when the path seems difficult or unclear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The wandering in the wilderness serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_difficult_times.htm">God's Faithfulness in Difficult Times</a></b><br>Despite the Israelites' failures, God remained faithful, providing for their needs and guiding them toward the Promised Land.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_journey_and_growth.htm">Spiritual Journey and Growth</a></b><br>The physical journey of the Israelites mirrors our spiritual journey, where challenges and detours can lead to growth and deeper reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>The extended period in the wilderness teaches us to trust in God's timing and His plans, which are often beyond our understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_is_mount_tabor_in_the_bible.htm">Where did Moses view the Promised Land before dying?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_mount_seir's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_an_11-day_trip_take_40_years.htm">In Deuteronomy 1:2, how can an 11-day journey become a 40-year wander, and is there historical or logical support for such a timeline discrepancy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_a_nation_want_egypt_after_miracles.htm">In Numbers 14:2, how plausible is it that a whole nation would suddenly wish to return to Egypt after seeing so many miraculous events?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>II.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Then.</span>--In the original simply "And." There is no note of time.<p><span class= "bld">By the way of the Red sea.</span>--i.e., in the direction of the Gulf of Akabah, <span class= "ital">southwards.</span><p><span class= "bld">As the Lord spake unto me.</span>--In <a href="/numbers/14-25.htm" title="(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelled in the valley.) Tomorrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.">Numbers 14:25</a>, as noted on <a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm" title="But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.">Deuteronomy 1:40</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Many days.</span>--Until near the close of the thirty-ninth year of the exodus.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-23.</span> - THE NEW BEGINNING AND REVIEW OF THE JOURNEYINGS OF ISRAEL FROM KADESH TO THE RIVER ARNON, THE FRONTIER OF THE AMORITES. At this point the language of address is exchanged for that of narrative. The change of subject from "ye abode" to "we turned," became necessary when Moses passed from exhorting and warning the people to narrating what happened after they resumed their journeyings; and gives no support to the notion of some recent German critics, that Moses left Kadesh with only a portion of the people, while the rest remained there, so that no entire departure of Israel from Kadesh ever took place - a notion which the whole tenor of the subsequent narrative contradicts. In obedience to the Divine command (<a href="/deuteronomy/1-40.htm">Deuteronomy 1:40</a>), the people, after tarrying for a while at Kadesh, took their departure and marched in the direction of the Yam-suph (<a href="/numbers/14-25.htm">Numbers 14:25</a>). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And we compassed mount Seir many days.</span> These "many days" are the thirty-eight years during which the people wandered in the wilderness before they camped the second time at Kadesh; their going round Mount Seir, which was in Edom (<a href="/genesis/36-8.htm">Genesis 36:8, 9, 20</a>), is descriptive of their nomadic wanderings in various directions, west, south, and south-east of that mountain (<a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Numbers 21:4</a>). "Crossing the long, lofty mountain chain to the eastward of Ezion-geber (<a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Numbers 21:4, 5</a>), the Israelites issued into the great and elevated plains which are still traversed by the Syrian pilgrims on their way to Mecca; and appear to have followed <span class="accented">northward</span> nearly the same route which is now taken by the Syrian Hadgi along the western skirts of this great desert near the mountains of Edom" (Robinson, 'Bib. Res.,' 1:253, 559). Mount Seir is now <span class="accented">Jebal</span> and <span class="accented">esh-Sherah</span>. This mountain range is a continuation of that which surrounds the eastern side of the Dead Sea. The details of this protracted wandering are passed over by Moses as not required by his purpose here. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then we turned back</span><br /><span class="heb">וַנֵּ֜פֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wan·nê·p̄en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and headed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַנִּסַּ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(wan·nis·sa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the wilderness</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּדְבָּ֙רָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miḏ·bā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pasture, a desert, speech</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by way</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Red</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֔וּף</span> <span class="translit">(sūp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5488.htm">Strong's 5488: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reed, the papyrus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sea,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַם־</span> <span class="translit">(yam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had instructed me,</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבֶּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(dib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and for many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we wandered around</span><br /><span class="heb">וַנָּ֥סָב</span> <span class="translit">(wan·nā·sāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">הַר־</span> <span class="translit">(har-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Seir.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׂעִ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(śê·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8165.htm">Strong's 8165: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Deuteronomy 2:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned and took our journey (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-46.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 1:46"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 1:46" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 2:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>