Deuteronomy 2:5

5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on; because I have given Mount Se`ir to Esav for a possession.

Deuteronomy 2:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 5 Meddle not with them
Contend not with them in battle, nor provoke them to it:

for I will not give you of their land, no not so much as a foot breadth;
or as the sole of a man's foot can tread on, signifying that they should not have the least part of it, not any at all. Jarchi makes mention of an exposition of theirs, that he would give them nothing of it until should come the day of the treading of the sole of the foot in the mount of Olives, ( Zechariah 14:4 ) , meaning not till the days of the Messiah, when Edom should be a possession of Israel; see ( Numbers 24:18 ) , ( Obadiah 1:19 )

because I have given Mount Seir unto Esau for a possession;
and therefore not to be taken away from them; they have a right of inheritance of it; see ( Genesis 36:8 ) ( Joshua 24:4 ) .

Deuteronomy 2:5 In-Context

3 You have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.

4 Command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the border of your brothers the children of Esav, who dwell in Se`ir; and they will be afraid of you: take good heed to yourselves therefore;

5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on; because I have given Mount Se`ir to Esav for a possession.

6 You shall purchase food of them for money, that you may eat; and you shall also buy water of them for money, that you may drink.

7 For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand; he has known your walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.