Judges 11:17

KJV

Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken [thereto]. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not [consent]: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Israel {H3478} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} unto the king {H4428} of Edom {H123}, saying {H559}, Let me, I pray thee, pass through {H5674} thy land {H776}: but the king {H4428} of Edom {H123} would not hearken {H8085} thereto. And in like manner they sent {H7971} unto the king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}: but he would {H14} not consent: and Israel {H3478} abode {H3427} in Kadesh {H6946}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then Isra'el sent messengers to the king of Edom, to say, "Please let us pass through your land." But the king of Edom wouldn't let them. He sent a similar message to the king of Mo'av, but neither would he, so Isra'el stayed at Kadesh.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.

American Standard Version

then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land; but the king of Edom hearkened not. And in like manner he sent unto the king of Moab; but he would not: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 11:17 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailed by Jephthah in his diplomatic argument with the Ammonites. It highlights Israel's peaceful and respectful approach in seeking passage through the lands of Edom and Moab, both of whom refused, forcing Israel to alter their route. This historical detail serves to underscore Israel's legitimate claim to the land they occupied, demonstrating their adherence to divine commands to avoid conflict with related nations and their patient reliance on God's guidance despite obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jephthah's extensive historical defense (Judges 11:12-28) against the Ammonite king's claim that Israel had unjustly seized their land upon exiting Egypt. Jephthah, acting as a diplomat and judge, meticulously recounts Israel's wilderness wanderings and their interactions with surrounding nations. His argument is crucial for establishing Israel's rightful possession of the territory east of the Jordan, particularly by demonstrating that they did not conquer land from Ammon or Moab, but rather from the Amorite king Sihon, who had aggressively opposed their peaceful request for passage. This detailed historical review serves to justify Israel's actions and underscore the Ammonites' baseless claims, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Judges 11:17 hark back to the period immediately following the Exodus, as Israel journeyed towards the Promised Land. Edom and Moab were nations with whom Israel shared ancestral ties: the Edomites descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and the Moabites from Lot, Abraham's nephew. These nations controlled strategic routes, including the "King's Highway," a vital trade and travel artery. As recorded in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage"), Israel sent a respectful request to Edom for peaceful passage, promising to abide by their laws and pay for water, but was met with a stern refusal and a show of force. Similarly, Moab denied passage, as implied in this verse and further detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:4-9](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-9 - God's Command Regarding Edom and Moab"). God had explicitly commanded Israel to avoid provoking these nations due to their familial ties, a command Israel diligently obeyed, even when it meant taking a longer, more arduous route. Kadesh, where "Israel abode," was a significant oasis and a primary encampment site for Israel during their wilderness wanderings, serving as a base for a considerable period before their final approach to Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** Jephthah's recounting of this historical episode highlights several key themes central to the book of Judges and Israel's national identity. First, it underscores **Israel's Righteous Conduct and Legitimate Claim**. Jephthah uses this history to prove Israel's peaceful intentions and their adherence to international norms (seeking permission) and divine commands (avoiding conflict with kin). This directly refutes the Ammonite king's false accusations, establishing Israel's rightful possession of the land. Second, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance** is prominent. Despite the rejections from Edom and Moab, God supernaturally guided Israel around these territories, demonstrating His faithfulness in leading His people to their inheritance, even through circuitous routes. This illustrates that God's purposes are fulfilled irrespective of human resistance, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Leading in the Wilderness"). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon **The Nature of International Relations**, revealing the sometimes-hostile environment Israel navigated and the importance of respecting national sovereignty, even when it presents significant challenges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb (שָׁמַע) means "to hear," "to listen," and often "to obey" or "to heed." In the context of "would not hearken [thereto]," it signifies a definitive refusal to listen to or comply with Israel's request. It implies not just a lack of auditory perception, but a deliberate unwillingness to consider or grant the petition, indicating a firm and unyielding stance by the king of Edom.
* **consent (Hebrew, _'avah'_):** The verb (אָבָה) means "to be willing," "to consent," "to agree," or "to incline." When stated that the king of Moab "would not [consent]," it conveys a similar, decisive rejection of Israel's plea for passage. It emphasizes a lack of willingness or inclination on the part of Moab to accommodate Israel, reinforcing the consistent opposition Israel faced from these neighboring nations.
* **abode (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** This verb (יָשַׁב) means "to sit," "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." The phrase "and Israel abode in Kadesh" indicates that Kadesh served as a prolonged encampment or base for the Israelites. It suggests a period of stability and waiting, highlighting that Israel did not immediately force their way through but patiently remained in their designated location after their requests were denied, demonstrating their obedience to God's command to avoid conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land:"** This clause sets the scene of a diplomatic overture. Israel, under divine instruction to avoid direct confrontation with Edom (due to their shared ancestry), initiated communication through formal channels. The request for passage was polite ("I pray thee") and specific, indicating a desire for peaceful transit rather than conquest or prolonged occupation. This demonstrates Israel's commitment to a non-aggressive approach.
* **"but the king of Edom would not hearken [thereto]."** This part records the immediate and firm rejection from Edom. The refusal to "hearken" implies not just a denial of the request, but a closed ear to Israel's plea, indicating a lack of hospitality and perhaps even hostility from a nation with whom they shared familial ties. This forced Israel to seek an alternative route.
* **"And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not [consent]:"** This clause reveals a similar attempt at peaceful negotiation with Moab, another related nation, and an identical outcome. The phrase "in like manner" emphasizes the consistent strategy of Israel and the consistent refusal from these nations. Moab's unwillingness to "consent" reinforces the pattern of rejection, highlighting the challenges Israel faced in their journey and their repeated commitment to diplomatic solutions before resorting to any form of force.
* **"and Israel abode in Kadesh."** This final clause describes Israel's response to the double rejection. Instead of forcing their way or retaliating, they patiently remained at Kadesh. This signifies their obedience to God's command to avoid conflict with Edom and Moab ([Deuteronomy 2:4-9](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-9 - God's Instruction Regarding Edom and Moab")), demonstrating their trust in God's leading even when the direct path was blocked. Kadesh served as a significant staging ground for their later movements.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 11:17 primarily employs **Historical Narrative** as a literary device. Jephthah's meticulous recounting of past events serves a specific rhetorical purpose: to establish a factual, irrefutable basis for Israel's claim to the land. By presenting a chronological account of Israel's peaceful intentions and the unprovoked rejections they faced, he builds a compelling legal and moral argument against the Ammonites. The verse also features **Diplomatic Rhetoric**, illustrating the formal exchange between nations through messengers, highlighting the established protocols of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** in the parallel rejections from Edom and Moab, which emphasizes the consistent opposition Israel encountered and, conversely, their consistent adherence to peaceful means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, within Jephthah's larger argument, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign guidance over His people, even when their path is fraught with human resistance. Israel's patient and peaceful approach, despite repeated rejections, underscores their obedience to God's command to avoid conflict with their kin, demonstrating a reliance on divine providence rather than military might for their progress. It highlights that God's ultimate plan for His people's inheritance will be realized, not necessarily through the easiest or most direct route, but through His chosen, often circuitous, path. This historical account serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God's commands can involve enduring inconvenience and seeking alternative pathways when faced with opposition, trusting that His purposes will prevail.

* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom's Refusal to Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 2:4-9](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-9 - God's Command Regarding Edom and Moab")
* [Joshua 13:8-12](/joshua/13-8 "Joshua 13:8-12 - Israel's Inheritance East of the Jordan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 11:17 offers timeless lessons for navigating life's challenges with integrity and faith. Like ancient Israel, we often encounter "closed doors" or unexpected obstacles on our journey. This verse encourages us to first pursue peaceful and respectful resolutions, demonstrating wisdom and humility in our interactions. When met with refusal, the example of Israel teaches us not to react with aggression or despair, but to patiently seek God's alternative pathways. Their willingness to "abide in Kadesh" and wait, rather than force their way, speaks to the importance of trusting in divine timing and guidance, even when it means a detour or a delay. Our past experiences, like Jephthah's historical recount, can provide valuable context and justification for our present actions, reminding us of God's faithfulness through every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when my plans are blocked or my requests are denied?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to "abide in Kadesh" – to patiently wait or seek an alternative path rather than forcing a solution?**
* **How can understanding God's past faithfulness in my life, or in the history of His people, strengthen my trust in His guidance for my future?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Israel to avoid conflict with Edom and Moab?**

Answer: It was crucial for Israel to avoid conflict with Edom and Moab primarily because of their shared ancestral ties. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and the Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. God explicitly commanded Israel to respect the territorial integrity of these nations and not to provoke them, as their lands had been given to them by divine decree ([Deuteronomy 2:4-9](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-9 - God's Command Regarding Edom and Moab")). Israel's obedience to this command demonstrated their faithfulness to God and their commitment to peaceful relations, even when it meant enduring inconvenience and taking a longer route to the Promised Land. This also served to distinguish Israel's conquests, showing they only took land from those who aggressively opposed them, like the Amorites, not from those God had protected.

**What is the significance of "Kadesh" in this verse?**

Answer: Kadesh (specifically Kadesh-barnea) was a highly significant oasis and a major encampment site for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It served as their primary base for a considerable period, particularly after the initial rebellion and the forty-year wilderness decree ([Numbers 13:26](/numbers/13-26 "Numbers 13:26 - Israel at Kadesh-Barnea")). In Judges 11:17, stating that "Israel abode in Kadesh" after being refused passage by Edom and Moab underscores Israel's patient and obedient response. Instead of forcing a confrontation, they remained in their designated location, trusting God to lead them around the hostile territories. This highlights their reliance on divine guidance and their commitment to avoid unnecessary conflict, even when facing significant obstacles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 11:17, though a historical detail, foreshadows profound aspects of Christ's ministry and the nature of God's kingdom. Just as Israel sought peaceful passage but was rejected by those with whom they shared a common heritage, Jesus, the ultimate "Prince of Peace," came to His own, but "His own received Him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - The Word Came to His Own")). He sought to lead humanity on the King's Highway of righteousness, yet many refused His invitation, preferring their own paths. Despite this rejection, Christ did not force His way or resort to violence. Instead, He embraced a "circuitous route" – the path of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimately, the cross, to achieve humanity's redemption ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His "abiding" in the face of rejection, culminating in His ultimate victory, demonstrates that God's plan of salvation is fulfilled not by human might or forced entry, but through humble obedience and the patient unfolding of divine will. The ultimate "promised land" is the Kingdom of God, entered not by conquest of earthly nations, but by faith in the Lamb of God, who patiently endured rejection to open the true and living way ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 20:14

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Numbers 20:21

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Deuteronomy 2:29

(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

Deuteronomy 2:4

And command thou the people, saying, Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

Deuteronomy 2:9

And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.

Joshua 24:9

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you: