Definition: And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 2:8. It's a really important passage about moving forward and being careful with our neighbors. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be cautious when you travel through the land of Moab, which was located between the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. It’s urging you to avoid certain areas. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 2:8” : This refers to a specific law or instruction given by Moses to the Israelites. Think of it as a rule or guideline from God. “And when we passed…” : This means we were traveling through this area. It’s about a journey, a movement, or an encounter. “…from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir…” : This is where it gets interesting. "Our brethren" refers to the Israelites' ancestors – specifically, the descendants of Esau (often referred to as “the stranger” in the Bible). “Seir” was a place in Lebanon that was historically a border region. “…which dwelt in Seir…” : This reinforces what we just said - they were located there. “through the way of the plain from Elath…” : The "way of the plain" refers to an ancient route that ran through the countryside, perhaps a relatively straightforward path. "Elath" was a city located in the north. So, this is a route that went through farmland and some open land. “and from Eziongaber” : “Eziongaber” is another place in Lebanon. It's important to note this isn’t necessarily a very significant location; it's just an extra marker. So, putting it all together: The Israelites were traveling through the area between Lebanon and the Jordan River, and they encountered people from the descendants of Esau (the "strangers") who lived in Seir. They then traveled further north to Elath and Eziongaber. What’s the point? Moses is telling them to be mindful of these people because they were in that area, and it's important to avoid unnecessary contact or conflict with them. The verse suggests a need for caution and respectful distance. In essence, this verse is about being aware of your neighbors and avoiding potential problems when traveling through a region. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the significance of the area of Moab in biblical history?