Numbers 20:18

KJV

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Edom {H123} said {H559} unto him, Thou shalt not pass {H5674} by me, lest I come out {H3318} against {H7125} thee with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Edom answered, "You are not to pass through my land; if you do, I will come out against you with the sword."

Berean Standard Bible

But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”

American Standard Version

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:18 records the decisive and hostile refusal of the Edomites to grant the Israelites peaceful passage through their ancestral territory during their wilderness journey, explicitly threatening military confrontation should Israel attempt to proceed. This verse marks a significant turning point, forcing Israel to alter their divinely directed route and highlighting the persistent challenges and human opposition encountered on the path to the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Numbers, following the tragic events at Meribah where Moses disobeys God and is barred from entering the Promised Land, and preceding the death of Aaron. Israel, having spent nearly forty years in the wilderness, is now approaching the borders of Canaan from the southeast. Moses sends a diplomatic embassy to the King of Edom, appealing to their shared ancestry through Jacob and Esau, and promising peaceful transit along the "King's Highway" without disturbing their land or water, even offering to pay for any resources consumed ([Numbers 20:17](/numbers/20-17 "Numbers 20:17 - Israel's Request for Passage")). Numbers 20:18 delivers Edom's terse, uncompromising, and militarily backed rejection, directly setting the stage for Israel's forced detour around Edomite territory, as detailed in [Numbers 20:21](/numbers/20-21 "Numbers 20:21 - Israel Turns Away from Edom"). This immediate sequence of events underscores the practical difficulties of the wilderness journey and the complex geopolitical landscape Israel had to navigate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom was a powerful kingdom located south and east of the Dead Sea, occupying a strategically important region that controlled major trade routes, including the "King's Highway." This ancient route was vital for commerce and communication, connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, establishing a deep-seated, often contentious, familial relationship with Israel. While Israel sought peaceful passage based on this kinship, the Edomites harbored a long-standing animosity rooted in the patriarchal narratives of sibling rivalry and Esau's enduring resentment towards Jacob ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). Culturally, nations guarded their borders fiercely, and the passage of a large, nomadic group like Israel would have been viewed with suspicion, regardless of peaceful overtures. The threat of "the sword" was a standard declaration of intent to defend national sovereignty with military force, a common practice in the ancient Near East.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 20:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance Amidst Human Obstacles**. Despite God explicitly leading Israel towards the Promised Land, their path is not without significant human resistance and geopolitical challenges. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Sibling Rivalry and Enduring Animosity**, demonstrating how ancient grudges, even between related peoples, can persist for generations and manifest in open hostility, impacting the divine plan. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Israel's Obedience**. Rather than engaging in a potentially devastating conflict with a related nation—a conflict God had previously instructed them to avoid ([Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - God's Command Regarding Edom"))—Israel wisely chooses to obey God's implicit will by seeking an alternative route, demonstrating their reliance on divine direction even when it means a longer, more arduous journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Edom (Hebrew, _’Ĕḏōwm'_):** The name "Edom" means "red," a direct reference to Esau, Jacob's twin brother, who was born red and sold his birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew ([Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau Sells His Birthright")). This etymological connection underscores the deep historical and familial ties between Israel and Edom, making Edom's hostile refusal particularly poignant. The name itself serves as a constant reminder of the ancient rivalry and the Edomites' distinct, often antagonistic, identity.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _ḥereḇ'_):** This term is a clear and unambiguous reference to a weapon of war, symbolizing military might, violence, and the intent to engage in armed conflict. Its inclusion in Edom's response elevates their refusal from a mere denial of passage to an explicit declaration of war if Israel attempts to proceed. The "sword" here represents the ultimate deterrent and the willingness to shed blood to enforce national sovereignty, leaving no room for misinterpretation of Edom's hostile stance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Edom said unto him":** This phrase indicates a direct, official communication from the Edomite leadership (likely the king, as per [Numbers 20:14](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14 - Moses Sends Messengers to Edom")) to Moses, representing Israel. The brevity and directness of the statement convey an unyielding and firm decision, leaving no room for negotiation or reconsideration of Israel's peaceful request.
* **"Thou shalt not pass by me":** This is an absolute prohibition, a categorical denial of Israel's request for transit through Edomite territory. It asserts Edom's sovereign control over their land and their right to refuse passage to any party, regardless of kinship or peaceful intentions. The bluntness of the refusal emphasizes Edom's unyielding stance and deep-seated suspicion or animosity towards Israel.
* **"lest I come out against thee with the sword":** This clause provides the explicit consequence of Israel disregarding the prohibition: military action. It is a clear and unambiguous threat of war, indicating Edom's readiness to deploy its armed forces to prevent Israel's passage. The phrase "with the sword" highlights the seriousness of the threat, signaling that Edom is prepared to use deadly force, forcing Israel to choose between conflict and a detour.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:18 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Antagonism**, as Edom's response directly opposes Israel's peaceful overture, establishing a clear adversarial relationship. This immediate declaration of hostility, despite kinship, sets a tone of conflict. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this initial refusal and threat of war anticipate the long and often bloody history of conflict between Israel and Edom that would continue for centuries (e.g., [2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom Revolts from Judah")). The "sword" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical weapon but also the Edomites' hostile intent, their national power, and their willingness to defend their territory violently. The stark contrast between Israel's humble, kinship-based request and Edom's aggressive, military-backed refusal also creates a subtle **Irony**, highlighting the tragic breakdown of familial ties into national animosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:18 serves as a stark reminder that even when God's people are clearly following His divine leading, their path may be met with unexpected and unprovoked hostility from others. It underscores the reality that the journey of faith is not always smooth or direct; obstacles, even from those with whom one shares a common heritage, are part of the landscape. The Edomites' refusal, rooted in ancient animosity, illustrates how deep-seated grudges can persist and impede progress, forcing God's people to exercise wisdom and discernment rather than engaging in unnecessary conflict. Ultimately, the verse affirms God's sovereignty, as He faithfully guides Israel to their destination, even if the path requires detours and greater endurance, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail despite human opposition.

* [Deuteronomy 2:4-6](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-6 - God's Command Not to Provoke Edom")
* [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Downfall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:18 offers profound lessons for believers navigating their spiritual journey today. Just as Israel, under divine guidance, faced unexpected opposition, we too may encounter resistance, hostility, or closed doors even when we believe we are walking in God's will. This verse challenges us to consider our response to such obstacles: do we insist on our perceived right, or do we seek God's wisdom for an alternative path? It reminds us that not every confrontation is necessary or divinely ordained; sometimes, a peaceful detour, though longer or more challenging, is the wiser and more obedient course. Furthermore, the Edomite animosity, rooted in ancient history, serves as a cautionary tale about the enduring power of unresolved conflict and bitterness, even within families or related communities. We are called to release grudges and seek reconciliation where possible, but also to recognize when others' hearts are hardened, and to trust God to redirect our steps. Ultimately, this passage reinforces faith in God's faithfulness: He will lead His people to their destination, even if the journey is not as we initially planned, demonstrating His sovereign control over all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced unexpected opposition or "closed doors" while pursuing what you believed was God's will?**
* **How do you discern when to press forward through an obstacle versus when to seek an alternative route or strategy?**
* **What "ancient grudges" or unresolved conflicts, either personal or communal, might be hindering progress or fostering animosity in your life or community?**
* **How does Edom's refusal here affirm your trust in God's sovereign guidance, even when the path becomes more difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why was Edom so hostile towards Israel, despite their shared ancestry?**

Answer: Edom's hostility stemmed from a deep-seated, long-standing animosity rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob (Israel's progenitor) and Esau (Edom's progenitor). Esau harbored a bitter resentment towards Jacob for taking his birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). Over centuries, this personal grudge evolved into national enmity. Additionally, Edom, as a sovereign kingdom, likely viewed the passage of a large, potentially disruptive, nomadic group like Israel with suspicion and fear, regardless of their peaceful overtures. They prioritized their national security and control over their strategic trade routes, such as the [King's Highway](/numbers/20-17 "Numbers 20:17 - Israel's Request for Passage Along the King's Highway"), over any familial ties.

**What was the "King's Highway" and why was it important?**

Answer: The "King's Highway" (Hebrew: _Derekh HaMelekh_) was an ancient and vital north-south trade route that ran through the Transjordan plateau, connecting Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula in the south to Syria and Mesopotamia in the north. It was strategically crucial for commerce, military movements, and communication in the ancient Near East. For Israel, it offered the most direct and convenient path to the Promised Land from their position. Edom's control over a significant portion of this highway gave them considerable power and allowed them to dictate terms of passage, making their refusal to Israel particularly impactful.

**Why did Israel not fight Edom, especially given God's promise to give them the land?**

Answer: Israel did not fight Edom primarily because God had explicitly instructed them not to provoke the Edomites, Moabites, or Ammonites, as these nations had been given their territories by God and were not part of Israel's promised inheritance ([Deuteronomy 2:4-6](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-6 - God's Command Not to Provoke Edom")). Moses, leading Israel, sought peace and demonstrated a commitment to obeying God's specific commands regarding these nations. Engaging in conflict with a related people would have been a deviation from God's plan and an unnecessary expenditure of resources and lives. Israel's focus was on reaching the Promised Land, not on conquering every nation in their path. Their decision to detour rather than fight showcased their trust in God's ultimate guidance and their adherence to His specific instructions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Edomites' hostile refusal to grant Israel passage, despite shared lineage and peaceful overtures, powerfully foreshadows the experience of Christ and His followers. Just as Israel, the chosen people, faced rejection from their "brothers" on their journey to the Promised Land, so too did Jesus, the ultimate Israelite, experience profound rejection from His own people, as [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to His own, and His own received Him not") laments, "He came to His own, and His own received Him not." Jesus' path to fulfilling God's redemptive plan was not a direct, unopposed route, but one marked by constant opposition, culminating in the ultimate "detour" of the cross. Yet, through this very "detour"—His crucifixion and resurrection—He forged the true "King's Highway," the path to eternal life, declaring Himself to be [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). For believers, our journey to the heavenly Promised Land is similarly marked by spiritual opposition, but Christ, our greater Moses, has already overcome the world's hostility ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). He leads us not by force, but by grace, ensuring that despite all obstacles, we will ultimately enter into the rest prepared for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). The Edomite refusal highlights that the true journey to God's promised inheritance is achieved not through human might or forced passage, but through divine guidance and the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

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.