Numbers 20:20

KJV

And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Thou shalt not go through {H5674}. And Edom {H123} came out {H3318} against {H7125} him with much {H3515} people {H5971}, and with a strong {H2389} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said, "You are not to pass through"; and Edom came out against them with many people and much force.

Berean Standard Bible

But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.

American Standard Version

And he said, Thou shalt not pass through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:20 vividly recounts the Edomite king's unyielding refusal to grant Israel passage through his territory, a direct route essential for their progress toward the Promised Land. This outright rejection was not merely a verbal decree but was immediately reinforced by a formidable military mobilization, as Edom deployed a large populace with a "strong hand" to physically block Israel's advance. This hostile act compelled the Israelites to undertake a lengthy and arduous detour, underscoring the deep-seated animosity between these kindred nations and highlighting the persistent challenges Israel faced on its divinely orchestrated wilderness journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed within the latter stages of Israel's wilderness wanderings, nearly four decades after their exodus from Egypt, as they approach the borders of Canaan. It directly follows the tragic incident at Meribah, where Moses and Aaron's disobedience resulted in their exclusion from entering the Promised Land, a somber prelude to the challenges ahead, as detailed in [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1-13 "Numbers 20:1-13 - The Waters of Meribah"). Immediately prior to Edom's refusal, Israel had dispatched a diplomatic delegation to the King of Edom, humbly requesting peaceful transit through his land via the ancient "King's Highway," offering assurances of non-interference with resources and strict adherence to the path, as recorded in [Numbers 20:14-19](/numbers/20-14-19 "Numbers 20:14-19 - Israel's Diplomatic Request to Edom"). Edom's harsh and immediate rejection in verse 20 directly necessitates Israel's circuitous route, which soon leads to the significant event of Aaron's death on Mount Hor, a testament to the ongoing trials and divine redirection experienced by the Israelites before their ultimate entry into the land of promise, recounted in [Numbers 20:22-29](/numbers/20-22-29 "Numbers 20:22-29 - Aaron's Death and Succession").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were the direct descendants of Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother, as established in [Genesis 36:1](/genesis/36-1 "Genesis 36:1 - The Generations of Esau (Edom)"). This familial relationship, however, was overshadowed by a long-standing history of rivalry and tension between the two peoples, tracing back to the patriarchal narratives themselves. Edom occupied a strategically vital mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, controlling the "King's Highway," a crucial ancient trade route that facilitated commerce between Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Syria. From Edom's perspective, granting unhindered passage to a vast, migrating nation like Israel, numbering potentially millions, would have been perceived as an immense security risk. Concerns over resource depletion (water and pasture), potential military threat, or even the establishment of a permanent presence, regardless of Israel's sincere assurances, would have been paramount. Their aggressive and unyielding posture in this verse reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern nations to fiercely protect their territorial sovereignty and strategic assets against perceived threats.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 20:20 significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the persistent **hostility and obstruction** Israel encountered on its journey, not only from traditional enemies but also, strikingly, from "kindred" nations, underscoring the pervasive challenges of the wilderness. Secondly, this incident serves as a profound demonstration of **divine sovereignty and guidance**. It reveals that even human opposition and forced detours are intricately incorporated into God's overarching plan for His people. Despite the direct path being denied, God's ultimate purpose for Israel's arrival in the Promised Land remained unthwarted, simply rerouted by His hand, as seen in [Numbers 21:4](/numbers/21-4 "Numbers 21:4 - Israel's Detour Around Edom"). Finally, Edom's unbrotherly and aggressive conduct here serves as a potent **foreshadowing** of their consistent antagonism toward Israel throughout biblical history, culminating in severe prophetic judgments against them, most notably and comprehensively articulated in the book of [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - The Prophecy Against Edom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From the root H5674, this verb signifies to "cross over" or "pass through." In the context of "Thou shalt not go through," it conveys an absolute and unequivocal prohibition. The Hebrew negative particle combined with the imperfect verb form emphasizes a definitive command, leaving no room for negotiation or reconsideration. It signals a complete and final rejection of Israel's request for transit.
* **much (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** Derived from H3515, this adjective means "heavy" but is frequently used figuratively to mean "numerous," "great," or "abundant." When applied to "people" (Hebrew, `ʻam`, H5971), as in "much people," it emphasizes the substantial size and numerical strength of the Edomite forces mobilized against Israel. It indicates that Edom's threat was not a mere bluff but a genuine, large-scale military deployment, making any attempt by Israel to force passage highly dangerous.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** From H2389, this adjective means "strong," "firm," or "mighty." When paired with "hand" (Hebrew, `yâd`, H3027), as in "strong hand," it forms a significant idiom in the Old Testament. While most frequently used to describe God's powerful acts of deliverance, particularly His mighty hand in bringing Israel out of Egypt ([Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - God's Strong Hand in the Exodus")), here it is strikingly applied to Edom's military might. This usage highlights the formidable nature of Edom's opposition and their resolute determination to prevent Israel's passage, backed by a tangible, armed threat. It creates an ironic contrast, as a phrase typically associated with divine power is now used to describe human hostility against God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Thou shalt not go through."**: This opening clause delivers the direct, blunt, and absolute refusal from the King of Edom. The brevity and directness of the statement underscore the Edomite king's unwavering resolve and his complete unwillingness to compromise or engage in further dialogue. It immediately extinguishes any hope Israel had for peaceful passage.
* **"And Edom came out against him with much people,"**: This clause describes the immediate and aggressive response of Edom following the verbal prohibition. The phrase "came out against him" indicates a hostile military deployment, signifying not merely a defensive posture but a confrontational movement. The mobilization of "much people" signifies a large, organized military force, demonstrating Edom's serious intent to physically enforce their prohibition and deter any attempt by Israel to proceed.
* **"and with a strong hand."**: This concluding phrase powerfully reinforces the nature of Edom's opposition. The "strong hand" signifies not just numerical superiority but also military power, determination, and a readiness for immediate conflict. It conveys the clear message that Edom was prepared to use overwhelming force to prevent Israel's passage, making it evident that Israel would face a full-scale battle if they attempted to push through. This detail underscores the gravity of the situation and the wisdom of Israel's subsequent decision to turn away.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Irony**, particularly in the application of the phrase "strong hand." Throughout the Pentateuch, this idiom is consistently used to describe God's mighty power in delivering Israel from bondage and establishing His covenant. Here, it is strikingly and ironically applied to Edom's hostile military might, highlighting the stark contrast between human opposition and divine power, even as God's true "strong hand" continues to guide Israel. The passage also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Edom's aggressive stance in this encounter sets the stage for future conflicts and prophetic judgments against them in later biblical books (e.g., Obadiah), emphasizing a recurring pattern of animosity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. Finally, the direct, declarative statements of refusal and immediate military action create a palpable sense of immediate **Conflict** and tension, vividly portraying the abrupt confrontation between the two nations and the sudden halt to Israel's desired path.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Edomite refusal in Numbers 20:20 serves as a powerful reminder that God's people often encounter resistance and hostility, even from those with whom they share a common heritage. This incident highlights the reality that the path of faith is rarely without obstacles, and divine purposes may unfold through unexpected detours rather than direct routes. It underscores the sovereignty of God, who, even when human opposition seems insurmountable, orchestrates events to fulfill His ultimate plan, guiding His people along alternative paths that serve His higher purposes. The unbrotherly conduct of Edom also foreshadows the broader biblical theme of the world's antagonism towards God's chosen people, a hostility that necessitates divine protection and wisdom in navigating difficult circumstances, ultimately demonstrating that God's will cannot be thwarted by human defiance.

* [Deuteronomy 2:4-6](/deuteronomy/2-4-6 "Deuteronomy 2:4-6 - God's Command Regarding Edom")
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalm/105-14-15 "Psalm 105:14-15 - God's Protection of His Anointed")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Life's journey, much like Israel's wilderness trek, is rarely a straight line. Numbers 20:20 speaks profoundly to the experience of encountering "Edoms"—unforeseen obstacles, hostile rejections, or uncooperative individuals that block our desired and seemingly logical paths. This verse reminds us that not every door we knock on will open, even when our intentions are pure and our approach is humble. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we will face outright opposition and threats, backed by a "strong hand" of resistance. In such moments, the wisdom of Israel's response is instructive: rather than forcing a confrontation that could lead to devastating conflict, they chose to trust in God's alternative routes. This teaches us the importance of discernment in avoiding unnecessary battles and cultivating a spirit of adaptability, recognizing that a blocked path might be God's way of redirecting us toward a safer, more beneficial, or divinely appointed alternative. Our ultimate trust must rest in God's sovereign guidance, knowing that His plan for us will prevail, even if it requires unexpected detours and a willingness to surrender our preferred route for His perfect one.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when a desired path or opportunity is unexpectedly blocked or met with strong opposition?**
* **In what situations is it wise to seek an alternative route or avoid conflict, rather than attempting to force your way through?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereign guidance, even when your journey involves detours or setbacks?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Israel simply fight Edom and force their way through their territory?**

Answer: Israel did not fight Edom for several compelling reasons, primarily stemming from divine command and strategic wisdom. Firstly, God had explicitly instructed Israel not to provoke the Edomites, as they were descendants of Esau, and their land was given to them by God as an inheritance ([Deuteronomy 2:4-6](/deuteronomy/2-4-6 "Deuteronomy 2:4-6 - God's Command Regarding Edom")). Israel's divine mission was to inherit the land of Canaan, not to conquer every nation in their path. Secondly, engaging in a battle with a formidable, well-prepared force like Edom, as described in [Numbers 20:20](/numbers/20-20 "Numbers 20:20 - Edom's Refusal"), would have been costly in terms of lives and resources, potentially jeopardizing their overall journey and delaying their entry into the Promised Land. Israel was a nomadic people, not a standing army equipped for prolonged siege warfare against fortified cities. Opting for a detour, though longer and more arduous, was a demonstration of obedience to God's command and strategic wisdom, choosing to avoid unnecessary conflict when a peaceful, albeit circuitous, alternative existed under God's sovereign direction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Edomite refusal in Numbers 20:20, where a direct path is blocked by hostility and a "strong hand," powerfully foreshadows the opposition faced by Christ and His church. Just as Israel sought passage to their promised inheritance, humanity seeks true life and access to God, which is found only through Jesus, who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life")). Yet, His path to establish this way was met with profound hostility from the "strong hand" of human and spiritual powers, culminating in His crucifixion. This was a "detour" through suffering, a path of apparent defeat that ultimately led to the greatest victory. The world's "Edom-like" resistance to the gospel and to believers is a recurring theme, as followers of Christ are promised tribulation ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and persecution ([2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")). However, just as God sovereignly guided Israel around Edom to their inheritance, so too does He guide His church through all opposition. The "strong hand" that rose against Israel is ultimately overcome by the true "strong hand" of God, manifested in Christ's resurrection from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")), ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")) and that His people will reach their eternal inheritance.

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.

Cross-References

Amos 1:11

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

Judges 11:17

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.

Judges 11:20

But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Psalms 120:7

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

Obadiah 1:10

¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Obadiah 1:15

For the day of the LORD [is] near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Genesis 27:41

¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.