Numbers 20:17

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink [of] the water of the wells: we will go by the king's [high] way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

Let us pass {H5674}, I pray thee, through thy country {H776}: we will not pass {H5674} through the fields {H7704}, or through the vineyards {H3754}, neither will we drink {H8354} of the water {H4325} of the wells {H875}: we will go {H3212} by the king's {H4428} high way {H1870}, we will not turn {H5186} to the right hand {H3225} nor to the left {H8040}, until we have passed {H5674} thy borders {H1366}.

Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through fields or vineyards, and we won't drink any water from the wells. We will go along the King's Highway, not turning aside either to the right or to the left until we have left your territory."

Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy land: we will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink of the water of the wells; we will go along the king’s highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy border.

Commentary

Numbers 20:17 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey as they sought passage through the land of Edom. This verse details Moses' polite and carefully worded request to the King of Edom, emphasizing Israel's peaceful intentions and their commitment to avoid any harm or disruption to Edom's territory or resources.

Context

After nearly forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were nearing the borders of the Promised Land. Their most direct route required passing through the territory of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 36:8). Moses, acting on behalf of the entire nation, sent messengers with a diplomatic appeal to the Edomite king. This request was a strategic and necessary step, showing respect for Edom's sovereignty and an earnest desire to avoid conflict, especially given God's command not to provoke them (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).

Key Themes

  • Diplomacy and Respect: The verse showcases Moses' diplomatic skill and Israel's commitment to peaceful negotiation. The detailed promises—not to enter fields or vineyards, not to drink from wells, and to stick to the main road—underscore their desire to be non-intrusive and respectful of Edom's property and resources.
  • Integrity and Promise-Keeping: Israel's explicit promises demonstrate their integrity. They were willing to make clear commitments to ensure a smooth, temporary passage, reflecting a desire to honor boundaries and avoid any cause for complaint.
  • The King's Highway: This term signifies a well-established, public road, likely a major trade route. By requesting to use only this highway and not deviating "to the right hand nor to the left," Israel conveyed their intent to travel in an orderly, non-threatening manner, ensuring they would not plunder or disturb the surrounding land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "king's high way" translates from the Hebrew derekh hammelekh (דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ). This was a recognized, public road, often maintained by the king, suitable for armies or large caravans. It was distinct from private paths or agricultural lands. The emphasis on sticking strictly to this path highlights Israel's humble and non-aggressive posture, seeking only to pass through without causing harm or taking anything that did not belong to them. This concept of a clear, appointed path is also echoed in other biblical passages, such as the "Highway of Holiness" in Isaiah 35:8.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:17 offers valuable lessons for contemporary life. It teaches the importance of respectful communication and negotiation when dealing with others, even those who may be adversarial. It emphasizes the need to honor boundaries, property rights, and resources, demonstrating integrity in our interactions. Though Edom ultimately refused Israel's reasonable request (Numbers 20:21), Moses' initial approach remains a model of seeking peaceful solutions and trusting that God will provide an alternative path when direct routes are blocked.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 2:27 (3 votes)

    Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.

  • Numbers 21:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And [when] king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took [some] of them prisoners.

  • Numbers 21:22 (2 votes)

    Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink [of] the waters of the well: [but] we will go along by the king's [high] way, until we be past thy borders.

  • Numbers 21:24 (2 votes)

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

  • Deuteronomy 2:29 (2 votes)

    (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 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.

  • Deuteronomy 2:4 (2 votes)

    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: