TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
Complete Jewish Bible
The people of Isra'el replied, "We will keep to the highway; if we do drink the water, either we or our livestock, we will pay for it. Just let us pass through on foot - it's nothing."
Berean Standard Bible
“We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”
American Standard Version
And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go up by the highway; and if we drink of thy water, I and my cattle, then will I give the price thereof: let me only, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet.
World English Bible Messianic
The children of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway; and if we drink your water, I and my livestock, then I will give its price. Only let me, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the children of Israel said vnto him, We will goe vp by the hie way: and if I and my cattell drinke of thy water, I will then pay for it: I will onely (without any harme) goe through on my feete.
Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel say unto him, `In the highway we go, and if of thy waters we drink--I and my cattle--then I have given their price; only (it is nothing) on my feet I pass over.'
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In the KJVVerse 4,331 of 31,102
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Commentary on Numbers 20 verses 14–21
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:
15 How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:
16 And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:
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.
18 And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.
19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
20 And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.
21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.
We have here the application made by Israel to the Edomites. The nearest way to Canaan from the place where Israel now lay encamped was through the country of Edom. Now,
I. Moses sends ambassadors to treat with the king of Edom for leave to pass through his country, and gives them instructions what to say, Num 20:14-17. 1. They are to claim kindred with the Edomites: Thus saith thy brother Israel. Both nations descended from Abraham and Isaac, their common ancestors; Esau and Jacob, the two fathers of their respective nations, were twin-brothers; and therefore, for relation-sake, they might reasonably expect this kindness from them; nor needed the Edomites to fear that their brother Israel had any ill design upon them, or would take any advantages against them. 2. They are to give a short account of the history and present state of Israel, which, they take it for granted, the Edomites were no strangers to. And in this there was a double plea: - (1.) Israel had been abused by the Egyptians, and therefore ought to be pitied and succoured by their relations: "The Egyptians vexed us and our fathers, but we may hope our brethren the Edomites will not be so vexatious." (2.) Israel had been wonderfully saved by the Lord, and therefore ought to be countenanced and favoured (Num 20:16): "We cried unto the Lord, and he sent an angel, the angel of his presence, the angel of the covenant, the eternal Word, who had brought us forth out of Egypt, and led us hither." It was therefore the interest of the Edomites to ingratiate themselves with a people that had so great an interest in heaven and were so much its favourites, and it was at their peril if they offered them any injury. It is our wisdom and duty to be kind to those whom God is pleased to own, and to take his people for our people. Come in, thou blessed of the Lord. 3. They are humbly to beg a passport through their country. Though God himself, in the pillar of cloud and fire, was Israel's guide, in following which they might have justified their passing through any man's ground against all the world, yet God would have this respect paid to the Edomites, to show that no man's property ought to be invaded under colour of religion. Dominion is founded in providence, not in grace. Thus when Christ was to pass through a village of the Samaritans, to whom his coming was likely to be offensive, he sent messengers before his face to ask leave, Luk 9:52. Those that would receive kindness must not disdain to request it. 4. They are to give security for the good behaviour of the Israelites in this march, that they would keep in the king's high road, that they would commit no trespass upon any man's property, either in ground or water, that they would not so much as make use of a well without paying for it, and that they would make all convenient speed, as fast as they could well go on their feet, Num 20:17, Num 20:19. Nothing could be offered more fair and neighbourly.
II. The ambassadors returned with a denial, Num 20:18. Edom, that is, the king of Edom, as protector of his country, said, Thou shalt not pass by me; and, when the ambassadors urged it further, he repeated the denial (Num 20:20) and threatened, if they offered to enter his country, it should be at their peril; he raised his trained bands to oppose them. Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage. This was owing, 1. To their jealousy of the Israelites; they feared they should receive promises. And truly, had this numerous army been under any other discipline and command than that of the righteous God himself, who would no more suffer them to do wrong than to take wrong, there might have been cause for this jealousy; but what could they fear from a nation that had statutes and judgments so righteous? 2. It was owing to the old enmity which Esau bore to Israel. If they had no reason to fear damage by them, yet they were not willing to show so much kindness to them. Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing, and now the hatred revived, when the blessing was ready to be inherited. God would hereby discover the ill-nature of the Edomites to their shame, and try the good-nature of the Israelites to their honour: they turned away from him, and did not take this occasion to quarrel with him. Note, We must not think it strange if the most reasonable requests be denied by unreasonable men, and if those be affronted by men whom God favours. I as a deaf man heard not. After this indignity which the Edomites offered to Israel God gave them a particular caution not to abhor an Edomite (Deu 23:7), though the Edomites had shown such an abhorrence of them, to teach us in such cases not to meditate revenge.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 20:19 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, presenting their earnest and carefully articulated request to the Edomites for peaceful transit through their territory. Following an initial refusal, this verse details Israel's renewed, diplomatic appeal, underscoring their commitment to non-interference, their willingness to compensate for any resources consumed, and their humble posture. It highlights the immense practical challenges of sustaining a vast multitude in arid lands and their desire to maintain amicable relations with a kindred nation, even as they press towards their divinely appointed destination.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Diplomacy and Supplication, presenting Israel's request in a respectful and deferential manner despite their large numbers and divine backing. There is a strong use of Emphasis through the repeated assurances of their peaceful intentions and commitment to non-interference ("We will go by the high way," "I will pay for it," "without [doing] any thing [else], go through on my feet"). This repetition underscores their earnest desire to avoid conflict and build trust. The situation also contains an element of Irony, as Israel, a nation with a divine mandate and a powerful God, must humbly request passage from a related but hostile nation, foreshadowing the complexities and challenges of their journey and the eventual need for God's alternative provision.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:19 reveals a profound theological truth about God's people navigating a fallen world: even when divinely appointed and under God's sovereign guidance, there is a responsibility to pursue peace and act with integrity in human relations. Israel's humble request, despite their strength and divine backing, teaches the importance of diplomacy and respect for others' sovereignty, even with those who may become adversaries. It underscores that God's plan often involves human interaction and negotiation, and that His people are called to be a witness through their conduct. While their request was ultimately denied, their posture demonstrates a commitment to exhaust all peaceful avenues before resorting to other means, trusting God to provide a way, even if it's not the one they initially sought. This incident highlights that God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility for ethical conduct.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:19 offers timeless lessons for navigating life's obstacles with grace and integrity. In our own spiritual and practical journeys, we frequently encounter "Edoms"—situations, institutions, or individuals who stand between us and our desired path or goal. This verse encourages us to approach such obstacles with humility, respect, and a willingness to negotiate fairly, even when we believe we have a right or a pressing need. It teaches the power of respectful communication and the importance of demonstrating good faith, offering to bear our own costs, and promising non-interference. Our integrity in agreements, our willingness to "pay our way," and our commitment to our word are powerful testimonies to the character of Christ within us. While Israel's immediate request was denied, forcing them to take a longer, more arduous route, their peaceful approach honored God. This reminds us that even when our best efforts at diplomacy fail, God remains sovereign and will ultimately lead us to our destination, often through unexpected or circuitous paths. Our task is to walk in integrity, trust in His guidance, and remain committed to peace as far as it depends on us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Israel even need to ask Edom for permission, given God's promise of the land?
Answer: While God had indeed promised the land of Canaan to Israel, the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and God had specifically commanded Israel to respect their established territory. Deuteronomy 2:4-5 records God's explicit instruction to Israel regarding Edom: "You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir... Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a foot of it, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession." Therefore, Israel's request for passage was not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith in God's overarching promise, but an act of direct obedience to God's specific command to respect the boundaries of their kinsmen. It was a practical necessity for transit, not an attempt to claim Edomite land, demonstrating their commitment to divine instruction and peaceful relations where possible.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:19, with Israel's earnest plea for passage on the "high way," profoundly foreshadows humanity's desperate search for a way back to God and the ultimate, divine provision found in Jesus Christ. Israel sought a physical "King's Highway" to reach their promised rest, a path that was direct and efficient. Yet, this path was denied by human resistance, forcing them onto a longer, more arduous journey. Spiritually, humanity, alienated from God by sin, likewise seeks a "way" back to Him, often through human effort, good works, or religious rituals—attempts to "pay for it" or "go through on our own feet." However, these human efforts, like Israel's denied request, ultimately fall short. The true and only "High Way" to the Father is Jesus Christ. He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Unlike the Edomites, who denied passage, Christ freely offers Himself as the access point. He is our new and living way, inaugurated through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:19-20). He is the ultimate "King's Highway," not merely a path to a physical land, but the very means of reconciliation and eternal life, breaking down the wall of hostility and making peace through His blood (Ephesians 2:14). He paid the ultimate price, not for water, but for our redemption, so that we might walk freely into the presence of God.