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Deuteronomy 2:22-23 (JDV)

Deuteronomy 2:22 This was just as he had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when he exterminated the Horites ahead of them; they took possession from them and have lived in their place until now.

Deuteronomy 2:23 The Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, exterminated the Avvites, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, and settled in their place.

other peoples’ future

This passage sounds a bit barbaric, and some use texts like this to accuse the Bible of promoting violence and genocide. But we have to understand the message in its context. Moses was explaining why the Israelites were not allowed to eliminate the Edomites. God would allow that under certain circumstances, but this was not one. The land that Esau’s descendants owned and lived in was theirs to use, and the Israelites were not allowed to take it by force. They could not be judge, jury and executioners. God alone decided who gets to keep their land.

Being a child of God, and a member of Christ’s church has its privileges. But it does not mean I get to play God. Other peoples’ future is in his hands, not mine.

Lord, keep us out of other peoples’ business when it does not involve us.