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:

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:

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 -

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,

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

Numbers 20:14 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey as they approach the borders of the Promised Land. This verse introduces Moses' diplomatic overture to the kingdom of Edom, seeking permission for safe passage.

Context

After nearly forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites had arrived at Kadesh, a significant encampment on the edge of Edomite territory. Their direct route to Canaan lay through Edom. Moses, acting on behalf of the entire nation, sends messengers to the King of Edom. The appeal is framed around their shared ancestry: "Thus saith thy brother Israel," referring to the fact that Edom was descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). This familial connection, though strained historically, formed the basis of Moses' plea for hospitality and passage. The phrase "Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us" highlights Israel's long history of suffering, from their bondage in Egypt to their arduous wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Kinship and Diplomacy: The verse emphasizes the appeal to a shared heritage, even between nations that had a complex relationship. Moses attempts to leverage the historical bond between the descendants of Esau and Jacob.
  • Shared History of Suffering: Moses reminds Edom of Israel's hardships, hoping to evoke empathy and understanding. This collective memory of "travail" is presented as a reason for compassion.
  • Seeking Divine Guidance and Passage: The Israelites are under God's command to enter the Promised Land, and this diplomatic effort is part of navigating their path, seeking a peaceful route.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "travail" used here is telahah (תְּלָאָה), which conveys a sense of weariness, hardship, distress, or trouble. It accurately describes the long and difficult journey Israel had endured, full of trials and tribulations, both physical and spiritual, during their forty years in the desert.

Significance and Application

This verse illustrates the importance of communication and diplomacy, even when facing potential adversaries. Moses' approach to Edom, though ultimately rejected (Numbers 20:20), demonstrates an attempt at peaceful resolution and reliance on shared history. For believers today, it reminds us that even when facing obstacles on our spiritual journey, we are called to act with integrity and seek peaceful paths where possible. It also highlights the reality that not all appeals, even those based on legitimate needs or kinship, will be met with favor. God's plan, however, will always prevail, often leading His people through unexpected detours to reach His intended destination.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 11:16 (4 votes)

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

  • Judges 11:17 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 32:4 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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,