Deuteronomy 2:29 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 29. (As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwelt in Ar, did unto me)— There are great difficulties attending this verse; it being certain, that the Edomites and Moabites granted not, but refused, the Israelites a passage through their country. Therefore some commentators say, that the giving them meat and drink for money only is to be understood. Though they denied Israel a passage through their land, yet they suffered them to buy necessaries as they passed along their coasts. So Calmet and Le Clerc understand it. But, as Houbigant justly observes, it is not food only, but a passage which is required. He thinks that the words, who dwell in Seir, lead to the true interpretation of the place, and imagines, that by these children of Esau are not understood those who are called Edom, and who denied the Israelites a passage, but some other descendants of Esau, who dwelt about Seir, to the east, near the Amorites. See his note.