Old Testament
Judges 11:18
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Then they traveled through the wilderness, going around the lands of Edom and Moab. They came up along the eastern side of Moab and set up camp on the other side of the Arnon River. They never crossed into Moab's territory, because the Arnon was Moab's border.
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Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
What Judges 11:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are journeying through the wilderness as they make their way to the Promised Land. They carefully navigate around the territories of Edom and Moab, two nations that were descendants of Abraham's family. By choosing to camp on the eastern side of the Arnon River, they respect the borders of Moab, which is significant because it shows their intention to avoid conflict. The Arnon River serves as a clear boundary, and the Israelites are mindful not to trespass into Moabite land. This journey reflects their obedience to God’s guidance and their desire to maintain peace with neighboring nations, even as they seek to fulfill their own destiny. The careful navigation around these territories illustrates the importance of respecting boundaries and the consequences of actions taken in pursuit of one's goals.
How to apply Judges 11:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of respecting the boundaries of others in our lives. Just as the Israelites chose to avoid conflict by not crossing into Moab, we should strive to maintain peace and harmony in our relationships by honoring the limits set by others.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 11:18 mean?
Judges 11:18 describes the Israelites' journey through the wilderness as they navigate around the territories of Edom and Moab. They camp on the eastern side of the Arnon River, respecting Moab's borders, which highlights their intention to avoid conflict and follow God's guidance.
What is the significance of the Arnon River in Judges 11:18?
The Arnon River serves as the boundary between the Israelites and Moab in Judges 11:18. By camping on its eastern side, the Israelites demonstrate their respect for Moab's territory and their commitment to maintaining peace.
How does Judges 11:18 relate to respecting boundaries?
Judges 11:18 illustrates the importance of respecting boundaries by showing how the Israelites chose not to cross into Moab's territory. This act of honoring borders reflects a commitment to peaceful relationships.
What themes are present in Judges 11:18?
Key themes in Judges 11:18 include the journey of the Israelites, respect for boundaries, obedience to God, avoidance of conflict, and divine guidance as they seek the Promised Land.
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