Deuteronomy 2:4-6 New International Version (NIV)
4 Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. 5 Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own. 6 You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”
As they passed through Seir, God advised the Israelites careful as the people in this country would be nervous at the large number of Israelites passing through. Seir is where the descendants of Esau lived. The Israelites were not to start a fight with these people and to pay for anything that they used. They were to act justly. It is important to act justly when dealing with others and to recognize their rights even if they are an opponent or enemy. Acting justly may restore a relationship.
