Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.)
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses Israel on the plains of Moab, recounting God’s past judgments to prepare them for the upcoming conquest of Sihon’s territory. He notes the Avvim’s destruction to illustrate how God removes nations before establishing Israel’s inheritance.
The words — The text records the Avvim (עַוִּים, Avvites) dwelling (יֹשְׁבִים, yoshevim) in villages (חֲצֵרִים, chatserim) as far as Gaza, and the Caphtorites (כַּפְתֹּרִים, Caphtorites) who came forth (יֹצְאִים, yotze'im) from Caphtor (כַּפְתֹּר, Caphtor). These terms document a specific territorial displacement without describing the mechanism of destruction.
The thread — This event parallels Genesis 10:14, which identifies the Caphtorites as descendants of Mizraim. The geographic marker of Gaza aligns with the northern boundary of Canaanite territory noted in Joshua 13:3.
Why it lands — The verse establishes a historical precedent of divine removal and resettlement that directly precedes Israel’s own military campaign. It requires the reader to recognize God’s sovereign control over national boundaries and timelines.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
Cross-references
- Genesis 10:14 the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites.
- Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;
- Amos 9:7 “Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?
- Jeremiah 25:20 all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;
- Jeremiah 47:4 For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.
- 1 Kings 4:24 For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.
- Zephaniah 2:4 For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted.
- Zechariah 9:5 Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.
- Acts 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.