How We Can Be Content

Deuteronomy 2:5–7 (ESV) Do not contend with them, for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession. 6 You shall purchase food from them with money, that you may eat, and you shall also buy water from them with money, that you may drink. 7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.” ’

Deuteronomy 2 gives us more clarity on the Edom episode of Numbers 20. The Israelites must pass through the Edomite territory in order to come to their Promised Land. In Numbers 20 they are met with anger and force regardless of the delegation Moses sends for terms of peace as they pass through their land with no intent to seize it. Edom will not let the old grudge between the ancient brothers die and so Israel must walk around them. But here, Moses gives us more clarity on the instructions concerning how Israel must approach her neighbors and we get good teaching on contentment for ourselves.

First, there is to be no fighting with Edom. This is interesting because it shows us that just because Israel will be fighting for their land the don't need to be fighting everyone. It reveals that Israel was NEVER to be a world dominating force but rather a Nation of blessing for the sake of others. They would know their place in the world to be a light to the gentiles.

Christians would do well to learn this lesson. We are not here to conquer the world. We are here to bless the world with the blessing we have received from God. How important it is to know God will provide for us with a space to be a light for those who do not believe so we can be examples of His love for them.

Second, I find it incredibly interest that God instructs them to purchase food and water from them. The reason being is that they were slaves for so long they had probably not experienced true economy and private ownership before. This was a first step in dignified living. Israel is to learn to deal with their neighbors fairly and honorably. They are not to steal or feel it is their right to take from anyone. God will provide and has provided. Therefore, they are to pay full price for what they need. 

Christians must remember this too. How often are we tempted to cheat or cut corners financially because we think it's up to us to make ends meet or get ahead. Anytime we steal or take from others we are proving our distrust in God's loving provision. He will never leave us nor forsake us. 


Hebrews 13:5–6 (ESV) Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Finally, God is making perfectly clear that Edom's land is theirs because of Him. He has given this foreign people their land just as He will give Israel her land. Who is sovereign over all the nations? Our God. And so when we see this person with those possessions or that group of people with that property, it is not to us to hold a grudge or feel ripped off because of their blessings. We are to remember that all good things come from God. He causes the rain to fall on the just and unjust. Even though Edom was nasty to Israel in this episode, God was still good to them. Ultimately, Edom will pay for their hostility to Israel as God's patience with them comes to an end at the time of Obadiah. But God's grace toward men and women is astoundingly great. 

Christian, we should be grateful for that as well. For certainly we do not deserve any good thing but have received freely all good things from our Father. He is good to us and all that we are is because of Him. Now, instead of comparing ourselves to others or becoming contentious toward any other people we can and should try to live at peace with all men for God is with us and we will, like Israel, lack NOTHING. 

Amen.