The desert wanderings of the children of Israel are recounted in summary here, with the Israelites passing through the territories of Esau and Lot’s descendants. Seir was the territory of Edom, the descendants of Esau, and Ammon was the territory of the descendants of Lot. The children of Israel were told not to do battle with them, but to buy food and water from them. This passage also tells how giants live in these lands as well. They were instructed to cross over the Arnon and take the land of Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon.
In this reminder of the desert wanderings, it may seem odd that Israel would be required to remember the “punishment” for their lack of faith at Canaan. However, it is important for us to not only remember the victories which build our faith, but also the wilderness times that teach us valuable lessons about faith in the midst of struggle and how to avoid those valleys the next time. While Israel definitely remembered the victories, this one defeat was especially important to remember and not repeat. There were giants everywhere, but when they are in your promised land, you shall not fear, but fight!
Devoted To You 