Judges 11:18
*“Then they went through the wilderness and around the land of Edom and the land of Moab, and came to the east side of the land of Moab, and they camped beyond the Arnon; but they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab.”* (v.18)
This verse describes how the Israelites, under Jephthah’s recounting of their history, carefully avoided trespassing on Moabite land as they traveled through the wilderness. *They went through the wilderness* highlights that they took a longer, more difficult route rather than confront or harass the nations descended from Abraham’s relatives (Genesis 19:36–38). *Around the land of Edom and the land of Moab* points to a journey south and east of the Dead Sea region, demonstrating obedience to God’s instructions not to provoke conflicts with Edom or Moab (Deuteronomy 2:4–9). The emphasis on these geographical details shows the Israelites’ desire to respect existing territorial boundaries and maintain peace with their distant kin.
The verse also reveals that *they camped beyond the Arnon*—a significant river that flowed into the Dead Sea from the east. *Arnon* served as a natural dividing line, so *they did not enter the territory of Moab* which lay beyond that border. This restraint provides insight into Israel’s attempt to act in good faith, underscoring that their eventual conflict was not motivated by expansionist desires but by the need to defend themselves. In this way, Jephthah’s summary of their wanderings emphasizes Israel’s tactful avoidance of unapproved warfare and an intentional respect for God-ordained limits on aggression toward kindred peoples.
Historically, Moab occupied a region east of the Dead Sea, whereas Edom lay to the south. The Arnon, running from the highlands to the east, divided Moab from the neighboring lands further north. By acknowledging this border, Israel demonstrated a commitment to honor divine directives and sought no quarrel where God had not given them permission to fight. Their choice to circumvent confrontation serves as an illustration of obedience to God’s plan, even when facing the hardships of the wilderness journey.
They respected boundaries in obedience to God to preserve peace and honor kinship.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 4:11 meaning. Judges 4:11 introduces Heber the Kenite. The details concerning Heber’s location and lineage in this verse foreshadow his involvement in the unfolding events of Sisera’s defeat, though it seems incidental at first.
- Judges 2:11-15 meaning. The Israelites fall into idolatry, abandoning the Lord to serve the Baals and Ashtaroth. This disobedience provokes God’s anger, leading to their oppression by enemies and severe distress, as He fulfills the warnings given to them.