Definition: Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, [nor] unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 2:37. It’s a really important part of how Moses is setting the stage for Israel’s journey and relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about permission – specifically, permission to enter a specific area. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Only unto the land of the children of Ammon…” - This refers to the Ammonites, a group of people who lived in a region near present-day Lebanon and Syria. They were often seen as troublesome and hostile. “…nor [nor] unto any place of the river Jabbok…” – The River Jabbok is a significant river in Israel’s history. It's important for the Israelites' journey and survival. This part emphasizes that they weren’t allowed to enter this specific area . “…nor unto the cities in the mountains…” - This reinforces that they weren't permitted to go into mountain areas either. "...nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.” – This is the crucial part. The Lord God revealed to Moses a set of rules and prohibitions – a “forbid” – that He had established for the Israelites. It’s saying that God specifically told them not to go into certain places, including this river and mountain areas. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder of God's laws and boundaries. It signifies: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God has complete control over where His people can go and what they can do. Respect for Boundaries: It highlights the importance of respecting God's established rules, even if those rules seem challenging or difficult to understand. Divine Guidance: It tells us that God is guiding the Israelites – offering them a path and limitations. In short, it’s a statement about a specific prohibition placed by God on the Israelites – a boundary they were not permitted to cross. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage from Deuteronomy? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of a particular aspect (like the meaning of "Ammonites")?