Numbers 20:14

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} from Kadesh {H6946} unto the king {H4428} of Edom {H123}, Thus saith {H559} thy brother {H251} Israel {H3478}, Thou knowest {H3045} all the travail {H8513} that hath befallen {H4672} us:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: "This is what your brother Isra'el says: you know all the troubles we have gone through -

Berean Standard Bible

From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us,

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:14 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing Moses' diplomatic initiative to the king of Edom. Having endured nearly four decades of wandering, the Israelites, now encamped at Kadesh, seek peaceful passage through Edomite territory, a direct route to the Promised Land. Moses' message is a strategic appeal, invoking the shared ancestral kinship between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau), coupled with a poignant and empathetic reminder of the profound "travail" and hardships Israel has experienced since their exodus from Egypt. This establishes the opening gambit in a critical interaction that will test Israel's reliance on divine guidance amidst human resistance and ultimately shape the final leg of their arduous journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 20 is a crucial chapter, marking a significant transition as Israel approaches the end of their forty years of wilderness wandering. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative recounts the death of Miriam and the second instance of water scarcity at Meribah (Kadesh), where Moses, in an act of disobedience, strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, resulting in God's judgment that he and Aaron will not enter the Promised Land (cf. [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1-13 "Numbers 20:1-13 - Water from the Rock and Moses' Sin")). Following this divine discipline and renewed hardship, the diplomatic mission to Edom in [Numbers 20:14](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14 - Moses' Request to Edom") represents a strategic human effort to navigate the final stages of their journey. The subsequent verses (cf. [Numbers 20:15-21](/numbers/20-15-21 "Numbers 20:15-21 - Edom Refuses Passage")) detail Edom's unyielding refusal, forcing Israel to take a longer, more arduous detour around Edomite territory. This detour directly leads to Aaron's death on Mount Hor (cf. [Numbers 20:22-29](/numbers/20-22-29 "Numbers 20:22-29 - Aaron's Death and Succession")), underscoring how this diplomatic failure profoundly impacted the immediate trajectory of Israel's journey and the lives of its leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this diplomatic overture is Kadesh, a vital oasis and strategic encampment located on the southern border of Edom. The kingdom of Edom occupied a mountainous and fortified region south and east of the Dead Sea, controlling important trade routes. The Edomites were understood to be descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother (cf. [Genesis 36:1-8](/genesis/36-1-8 "Genesis 36:1-8 - The Descendants of Esau")), a fact Moses leverages in his appeal. Despite this shared ancestry, historical and prophetic texts reveal a long-standing tension and often hostile relationship between Israel and Edom (cf. [Amos 1:11](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11 - Edom's Cruelty to Jacob")). In the ancient Near East, requesting passage through sovereign territory was a common diplomatic practice, typically involving explicit assurances of peaceful conduct and often payment for resources consumed. Moses' dispatch of "messengers" (ambassadors) reflects standard diplomatic protocol for inter-state communication. The reference to Israel's "travail" would have been common regional knowledge, encompassing their [bondage in Egypt](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt") and their subsequent forty-year [exodus and wilderness wanderings](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - The Forty Years in the Wilderness"), which had likely impacted surrounding nations through trade and rumor.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 20:14 encapsulates several significant themes. Firstly, **Diplomacy and Peacemaking** are central, as Moses proactively seeks a peaceful resolution for passage, demonstrating a commitment to avoiding conflict even with a potentially adversarial neighbor. This highlights Israel's mandate to pursue peace where possible. Secondly, the theme of **Kinship and Shared Heritage** is powerfully invoked through the appeal to "thy brother Israel," attempting to leverage the ancient familial ties between Jacob and Esau for a practical and peaceful outcome. This underscores the complex interplay between divine promises and human relationships, even those strained by history. Thirdly, **Israel's Identity and Suffering** are underscored by the collective memory of "travail," reminding both Edom and the reader of God's faithfulness in sustaining His people through immense hardship, from [Egyptian slavery](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Hears Israel's Cry") to the rigors of the wilderness (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2-5 "Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Obstacles**, as Israel's divinely ordained path to Canaan encounters a human barrier, ultimately leading to a detour that, though seemingly an impediment, remains within God's overarching and perfect plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Messengers (Hebrew, _malʼâk'_):** This term (H4397) refers to an envoy, ambassador, or deputy, implying a formal and official diplomatic mission. While _malʼâk_ can also denote a divine messenger or angel, its usage here underscores the seriousness and formality of Moses' appeal to the King of Edom. It signifies that this was not a casual request but a state-to-state communication, adhering to recognized protocols for international relations in the ancient world.
* **Kadesh (Hebrew, _Qâdêsh'_):** This place name (H6946), meaning "sanctuary" or "holy," identifies a crucial strategic oasis in the Desert of Zin, serving as a significant base for Israel during their wilderness wanderings. Its location near the borders of Edom and other territories made it the logical and necessary point for initiating diplomatic contact for passage into Canaan. The name itself might subtly hint at the sacred nature of Israel's journey and their divine mandate, even as they engage in human diplomacy.
* **Travail (Hebrew, _tᵉlâʼâh'_):** This powerful word (H8513) denotes weariness, hardship, distress, or trouble. It encapsulates the full spectrum of Israel's suffering: the physical oppression in Egypt, the arduous journey through the wilderness, the lack of food and water, the internal rebellions, and the divine judgments. Moses uses this term to evoke empathy from Edom, presenting Israel not as a conquering army but as a people who have endured immense suffering and are simply seeking a peaceful way forward, appealing to a shared human experience of hardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom,"**: This opening clause establishes the initiator of the action, Moses, and the formal nature of the communication, the sending of "messengers." It specifies the point of origin, Kadesh, Israel's current encampment, and the recipient of the diplomatic overture, the king of Edom. The "¶" symbol, often used in the KJV, denotes a new paragraph or a significant shift in the narrative, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic encounter as a distinct phase in Israel's journey. This act demonstrates Moses' commitment to seeking a peaceful and orderly passage.
* **"Thus saith thy brother Israel,"**: This is the core of Moses' diplomatic appeal, grounding his request in kinship. By referring to Israel as Edom's "brother," Moses invokes the ancestral relationship between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), twin sons of Isaac. This appeal to shared lineage was a powerful cultural tool in the ancient Near East, designed to elicit a sense of familial obligation, hospitality, and solidarity, despite the known historical tensions between their progenitors. It frames the request not as from a foreign power but from a related people seeking assistance.
* **"Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:"**: This final clause serves as a plea for empathy and understanding, a strategic rhetorical move. Moses reminds the Edomite king of Israel's well-known history of profound suffering, from their harsh [bondage in Egypt](/exodus/1-14 "Exodus 1:14 - Egyptian Oppression") to their arduous forty-year journey through the wilderness. The phrase "Thou knowest" implies that this history was common knowledge in the region, and it is presented as a compelling reason for Edom to grant their request, appealing to compassion for a people who have already endured so much and are simply seeking a peaceful resolution to their journey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Pathos**, an appeal to emotion, by highlighting Israel's "travail" or immense suffering. Moses strategically uses this to evoke sympathy and compassion from the King of Edom, hoping that a shared understanding of hardship will incline him to grant passage. This is coupled with an appeal to **Ethos** through the invocation of shared **Kinship** ("thy brother Israel"), attempting to establish a moral ground for the request based on familial ties and the implied obligations of brotherhood. The entire message functions as a **Diplomatic Overture**, a formal and carefully worded communication designed to achieve a specific political and logistical objective through peaceful negotiation rather than confrontation. The use of "messengers" also points to the formal nature of this **Rhetorical Strategy**, setting the stage for a significant interaction that has profound implications for Israel's journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:14 serves as a powerful reminder of Israel's journey as a people chosen by God, yet navigating a world full of human obstacles and complex relationships. It highlights the tension between divine promise and human agency, illustrating that even when God has a clear path for His people, He often allows them to engage in human-level diplomacy and encounter resistance. This episode underscores that God's plan is not always executed without friction, and His people are called to act with integrity and seek peaceful resolutions where possible, even when facing potential adversaries. The reference to "travail" is a consistent theme throughout Israel's history, emphasizing their reliance on God's sustaining grace through hardship, a pattern that points to a deeper theological truth about the journey of faith and the character of God who accompanies His people through all their afflictions.

* [Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israel's Bondage in Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "God's Leading in the Wilderness")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:14 offers profound lessons for the contemporary believer. Moses' approach to Edom, though ultimately unsuccessful in its immediate aim, exemplifies a commitment to peace and diplomacy before resorting to conflict. It reminds us that even when we are on a divinely appointed journey, we are called to exercise wisdom, humility, and good faith in our interactions with others, even those who may be estranged, difficult, or potentially hostile. We are to seek peaceful paths and appeal to common ground where it exists, demonstrating the love and wisdom of Christ in our dealings. The verse also highlights the reality that not every appeal, even one based on legitimate need or shared history, will be met with favor. We may encounter resistance, rejection, or indifference on our spiritual journey or in our efforts to live out our faith. Yet, God's ultimate plan for us will prevail, often leading us through unexpected detours that serve His higher purposes, teaching us greater reliance on Him rather than on human cooperation or ideal circumstances. It encourages us to persist in faith, knowing that God will make a way, even when the path is not the one we initially sought, and that His providence extends even to human rejections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' diplomatic approach challenge our own tendencies to react with immediate hostility or despair when faced with obstacles?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "travail," and how can remembering God's faithfulness to Israel in their suffering encourage you?**
* **When have you appealed to a "shared history" or "kinship" in a relationship, and what was the outcome? What did you learn about human nature and divine sovereignty?**
* **How do you reconcile the idea of God's sovereign plan with the necessity of human effort, diplomacy, and the reality of human resistance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses send messengers instead of just marching through Edom?**

Answer: Moses sent messengers as a diplomatic gesture, adhering to the common ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking permission for passage through sovereign territory. This was an attempt to avoid conflict and ensure a peaceful journey for the vast Israelite multitude, who would need to cross Edomite land to reach the Promised Land by the most direct route. It demonstrated Moses' commitment to peace and respect for Edom's sovereignty, even though Israel was under divine command to proceed towards Canaan. This approach highlights God's expectation that His people engage in wise and peaceful human interaction whenever possible, even while trusting in His ultimate guidance.

**What was the significance of calling Edom "thy brother Israel"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the shared ancestry of the two nations, as Edom was descended from Esau and Israel from Jacob, twin brothers and sons of Isaac (cf. [Genesis 25:24-26](/genesis/25-24-26 "Genesis 25:24-26 - The Birth of Esau and Jacob")). Moses invoked this familial bond to appeal to a sense of kinship, hoping it would foster hospitality and cooperation. It was a strategic attempt to leverage a historical relationship, however strained, to gain peaceful passage, appealing to a common heritage that should ideally transcend political differences.

**What does "travail" refer to in this context?**

Answer: "Travail" (Hebrew: _tᵉlâʼâh_) refers to the immense suffering, hardship, and weariness that the Israelites had endured. This included their [centuries of slavery in Egypt](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt"), the arduous journey through the wilderness for forty years, the lack of food and water, the various plagues, and the internal rebellions and divine judgments. Moses used this term to evoke empathy from the Edomite king, reminding him of Israel's long history of affliction and their current vulnerable state, hoping compassion would lead to a favorable response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:14, with its depiction of Israel's "travail" and their journey towards a promised land, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Israel endured immense hardship on their journey, so too did Christ, the ultimate "brother" (cf. [Hebrews 2:11-12](/hebrews/2-11-12 "Hebrews 2:11-12 - Jesus, Our Brother")), experience profound "travail" for the sake of His people. His entire earthly life, from His humble birth to His agonizing death on the cross, was marked by suffering, rejection, and hardship (cf. [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, enduring the ultimate "travail" to open the way to a greater, eternal Promised Land—the new heavens and new earth (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Furthermore, Moses' diplomatic mission, though initially met with human resistance, foreshadows Christ's ultimate mission of reconciliation. Jesus, the supreme Messenger (cf. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")), came to offer peace and passage into God's kingdom, not through a geographical route, but through His atoning sacrifice. He established a new kinship, not based on earthly lineage, but on spiritual adoption into God's family through faith in Him (cf. [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God Through Faith")). The seemingly circuitous route Israel was forced to take ultimately led them to their destination, just as Christ's suffering and death, though appearing to be a detour from glory, was the very path to our salvation and the fulfillment of God's eternal promises (cf. [Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ Must Suffer")).

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

Judges 11:16

But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;

Judges 11:17

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.

Deuteronomy 23:7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,

Genesis 32:3

¶ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

Genesis 32:4

And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:

Malachi 1:2

I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,