Numbers 20:19

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.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto him, We will go {H5927} by the high way {H4546}: and if I and my cattle {H4735} drink {H8354} of thy water {H4325}, then I will pay {H5414}{H4377} for it: I will only, without doing any thing {H1697} else, go through {H5674} on my feet {H7272}.

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."

β€œWe will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, β€œand 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.”

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.

Commentary

Numbers 20:19 records the children of Israel's earnest and humble request to the Edomites for passage through their territory. Having been denied their initial request to go by a shorter route, this verse highlights their renewed plea, emphasizing their intention to cause no trouble and to pay for any resources consumed. It's a key moment in their long wilderness journey towards the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is set during the final year of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, after the death of Miriam (Numbers 20:1). The Israelites are at Kadesh, on the border of Edom, and are in urgent need of a direct route to bypass the mountainous Edomite territory to reach Canaan. Earlier in this chapter, Moses had sinned by striking the rock for water instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:11), leading to the pronouncement that he would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them distant relatives, a factor that might have influenced Israel's diplomatic approach.

Key Themes

  • Diplomacy and Humility: Despite their vast numbers and divine backing, Israel approaches Edom with a respectful and humble request, demonstrating a desire for peaceful coexistence rather than confrontation.
  • Respect for Sovereignty: Israel's offer to "pay for it" if they and their cattle drink water shows clear respect for Edom's territorial rights and resources. They are not demanding passage but asking for permission and offering fair compensation.
  • Commitment to Non-Interference: The phrase "without doing any thing else, go through on my feet" emphasizes their strict adherence to the main thoroughfare, the King's Highway, and their promise not to divert, cause damage, or engage in any hostile actions. Their sole purpose is transit.
  • Necessity: The request underscores the logistical challenges of the wilderness journey and the practical need for a direct route to sustain a vast population.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "high way" in the KJV translates the Hebrew `derekh hammelekh` (Χ“Χ¨Χš Χ”ΧžΧœΧš), which literally means "the king's road" or "the King's Highway." This was a well-known, ancient trade route that ran north-south through Transjordan, connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia. It was a vital artery for commerce and travel in the ancient Near East, making it the most logical, albeit politically sensitive, path for Israel to take.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for modern life:

  • Respectful Negotiation: Even when one is in a position of need or perceived strength, approaching others with humility and respect can open doors and foster better relations.
  • Integrity in Agreements: The Israelites' clear promise to pay for what they use and to stick to the agreed path highlights the importance of integrity and honoring commitments in all dealings.
  • Navigating Obstacles: Life often presents obstacles, and sometimes the path forward requires negotiating with others who may be wary or even hostile. This account encourages seeking peaceful solutions and demonstrating good intentions.
  • Trust in God's Leading: While the immediate outcome of this request was Edom's refusal (Numbers 20:20), Israel's journey ultimately continued under God's guidance, reminding us that even when human efforts fail, God provides a way forward. The Israelites eventually had to take a longer route around Edom, a journey detailed in Deuteronomy 2:1-8.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 2:28 (6 votes)

    Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet;

  • Deuteronomy 2:6 (5 votes)

    Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

  • Exodus 12:38 (2 votes)

    And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, [even] very much cattle.