Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Because they didn't offer you food and water when you were traveling after leaving Egypt, and because they hired Balaam (the son of Beor from Pethor in Mesopotamia) to put a curse on you.
This verse explains why God excluded certain nations from Israel's community - because they showed hostility instead of hospitality when Israel was vulnerable, and even tried to have them cursed.
📚 Historical Context
This verse refers to the Ammonites and Moabites' treatment of Israel during their wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Instead of showing basic hospitality to these traveling refugees, these nations were hostile and even hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. This happened around 1400 BC as Israel was completing their 40-year wilderness journey.
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