Israel Refused Passage Through Edom
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Numbers
- Chapters: 20:14–21
- Summary: Edom denies Israel peaceful passage along the King’s Highway and comes out with a strong force, so Israel turns away rather than fight their kinsmen.
Details
From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, appealing to kinship: “Thus saith thy brother Israel.” He rehearsed Israel’s affliction in Egypt and the LORD’s deliverance, then asked leave to pass through the land along the highway, promising not to turn into field or vineyard nor to drink from the wells, or else to pay for any water consumed. Edom refused flatly, threatening to come out against Israel with the sword. Israel pressed the request, offering to keep to the high way and to pay for whatever they drank, but Edom again said, “Thou shalt not go through,” and came out against them with much people and a strong hand. Because Edom would not allow passage through his border, Israel turned away from him and went around the land of Edom, lengthening their journey toward the plains of Moab.
Key People Involved
- Moses — Sent the appeal to Edom
- The king of Edom — Refused passage and threatened war
Key Places
- Edom — The kingdom that barred the way
- Kadesh — Where Israel encamped and sent messengers
Important Verses
- Numbers 20:18 — “Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.”
- Numbers 20:21 — “Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border.”
Cross-References
- Related events: Esau’s Birth and Birthright, Edom’s Judgment at Jerusalem’s Fall
- Foreshadowed in: The enmity of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25)
Notes
Edom’s refusal continued the long enmity between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, a hostility the prophets later judged.