16 So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,
16 Now when the last of these fighting men among the people had died,
16 "So as soon as all the men of war had perished and were dead from among the people,
16 When the last of these soldiers had died,
16 "So it was, when all the men of war had finally perished from among the people,
16 "When all the men of fighting age had died,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:16
Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:8-23
(Read Deuteronomy 2:8-23)
We have the origin of the Moabites, Edomites, and Ammonites. Moses also gives an instance older than any of these; the Caphtorims drove the Avims out of their country. These revolutions show what uncertain things wordly possessions are. It was so of old, and ever will be so. Families decline, and from them estates are transferred to families that increase; so little continuance is there in these things. This is recorded to encourage the children of Israel. If the providence of God has done this for Moabites and Ammonites, much more would his promise do it for Israel, his peculiar people. Cautions are given not to meddle with Moabites and Ammonites. Even wicked men must not be wronged. God gives and preserves outward blessings to wicked men; these are not the best things, he has better in store for his own children.