What does Deuteronomy 2:23 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:23 states, "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."

This verse continues Moses' retelling of Israel's journey through the wilderness and their encounters with other nations.

In this passage, Moses refers to the Avims, a people who lived in the region of Hazerim, and the Caphtorims, who came from the land of Caphtor. Moses reminds the Israelites that it was the Caphtorims who destroyed the Avims and took over their land.

The message of this verse is similar to that of the previous two verses: it is a reminder of God's power and faithfulness to his promises. The Israelites were not the first people to conquer the land they were now inhabiting; rather, God had already brought other nations into the land and given them victory over their enemies.