Numbers 20:21

KJV

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus Edom {H123} refused {H3985} to give {H5414} Israel {H3478} passage {H5674} through his border {H1366}: wherefore Israel {H3478} turned away {H5186} from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus Edom refused to allow Isra'el passage through its territory, so Isra'el turned away.

Berean Standard Bible

So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them.

American Standard Version

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:21 marks a significant juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing Edom's resolute refusal to grant them passage through their territory, despite Israel's peaceful request and shared ancestry. This act of hostility forced Israel to alter their planned route, highlighting the challenges and divine redirection inherent in their pilgrimage toward the Promised Land. The verse underscores Israel's obedience to God's command to avoid conflict, even when faced with unprovoked opposition, trusting in His sovereign guidance to navigate unforeseen obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 20:21 is situated within the latter part of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, specifically after the generation of the Exodus has largely passed away. The preceding verses in [Numbers 20](/numbers/20 "Numbers 20 - Water from the Rock and Miriam's Death") describe the death of Miriam, the lack of water at Meribah, and Moses' disobedient act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, which resulted in him and Aaron being barred from entering the Promised Land. Immediately before this verse, Israel, encamped at Kadesh, dispatched messengers to the king of Edom, requesting a peaceful passage through their land, promising to stay on the King's Highway and pay for any water consumed. Edom's outright refusal and threat of military force in [Numbers 20:18-20](/numbers/20-18 "Numbers 20:18-20 - Edom's Refusal") directly precede and necessitate the "turning away" described in verse 21. This event sets the stage for the subsequent journey around Edom and the death of Aaron on Mount Hor, as detailed in [Numbers 20:22-29](/numbers/20-22 "Numbers 20:22-29 - Aaron's Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother ([Genesis 36:1](/genesis/36-1 "Genesis 36:1 - The Descendants of Esau")). Despite this familial connection, a deep-seated animosity often characterized the relationship between Edom and Israel, rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). Geographically, Edom controlled a crucial trade route known as the King's Highway, which ran from the Gulf of Aqaba northward, making passage through their territory the most direct route for Israel to reach Canaan from Kadesh. Edom's refusal was not merely a matter of inconvenience; it was an act of overt hostility from a "brother" nation, violating ancient Near Eastern customs of hospitality, especially towards travelers. This refusal forced Israel to take a long, arduous detour through the Arabah and around Edomite territory, a journey that would consume significant time and resources.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Obedience**, as Israel, rather than engaging in conflict, adheres to God's earlier command to avoid provoking the Edomites ([Deuteronomy 2:4-5](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-5 - Do Not Provoke Edom")). Their "turning away" demonstrates their submission to God's will, even when it means a more difficult path. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obstruction and Hostility** faced by God's people on their journey towards the Promised Land. Edom's unbrotherly act serves as a stark reminder that the path of faith is often met with opposition, even from unexpected sources. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Human Plans**. Despite Israel's logical and peaceful request, God's ultimate plan for their journey was not dependent on human cooperation. Obstacles are not necessarily deterrents but can be part of God's sovereign design to lead His people by His chosen route, fostering dependence and trust.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Edom (Hebrew, _'ĕdôm'_):** This name literally means "red," a reference to Esau's reddish complexion at birth ([Genesis 25:25](/genesis/25-25 "Genesis 25:25 - Esau's Birth")) and the red lentil stew for which he sold his birthright ([Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau Sells His Birthright")). In this context, "Edom" represents the nation descended from Esau, embodying a long-standing familial rivalry and a spirit of antagonism towards Israel. Their name serves as a constant reminder of their origins and their character.
* **refused (Hebrew, _mā'ēn'_):** The Hebrew verb מָאֵן ( _mā'ēn_ ) signifies a strong, deliberate, and unyielding unwillingness or rejection. It is not a mere polite decline but an emphatic, decisive "no." This emphasizes the firmness and finality of Edom's stance, indicating a deep-seated animosity that went beyond simple territorial protection, forcing Israel's hand.
* **turned away (Hebrew, _wayyēṭ'_):** This is the Qal imperfect consecutive of the verb נָטָה ( _nāṭāh_ ), meaning "to stretch out, turn aside, incline, divert." In this context, it describes Israel's action of strategically departing from Edom's border. It implies a deliberate choice to avoid confrontation and to take an alternative route, demonstrating obedience to God's command to not engage in battle with Edom ([Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - Do Not Provoke Edom")). This turning away is an act of submission and trust, prioritizing peace and God's leading over immediate convenience or retaliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border:"** This clause succinctly states the core conflict. Edom, the "brother" nation, actively and emphatically denied Israel's peaceful request to traverse their territory. This refusal was a direct act of hostility, preventing Israel from taking the most direct route to the Promised Land. It highlights the unbrotherly nature of Edom's response, setting up an obstacle that was both geographical and relational.
* **"wherefore Israel turned away from him."** This second clause describes Israel's immediate and obedient response to Edom's refusal. Rather than forcing the issue, engaging in conflict, or retaliating against their kinsmen, Israel chose to "turn away." This action demonstrates their reliance on God's guidance and their commitment to peace, even when it meant a longer, more arduous journey. It signifies a strategic withdrawal, trusting that God would provide an alternative path.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:21 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, contrasting Edom's hostile "refusal" with Israel's obedient "turning away." This highlights Israel's commitment to peace and divine instruction in the face of provocation. There is also an element of **Narrative Irony**, as the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, acts with such unbrotherly animosity, betraying the expectation of kinship. Furthermore, Edom's refusal and the subsequent detour can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the ongoing adversarial relationship between the descendants of Esau and Jacob throughout biblical history, culminating in prophetic pronouncements against Edom (e.g., [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). The "border" itself functions as a **Symbol** of both physical and relational barriers, representing the challenges and divisions that God's people encounter on their journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:21 serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty navigating human opposition. Edom's refusal, while a significant setback for Israel's immediate plans, ultimately served God's larger purpose, demonstrating that His people's progress is not contingent on human cooperation but on His unfailing guidance. It underscores the principle that God often leads His people through unexpected detours and around formidable obstacles, teaching them patience, dependence, and the importance of obedience over immediate convenience or conflict. This event also highlights the reality of opposition in the spiritual journey, even from those who might be expected to be allies, reminding believers that the path to God's promises is rarely without challenges.

* [Deuteronomy 2:4-5](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-5 - Do Not Provoke Edom")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:21 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating life's journey. When our well-intentioned plans are thwarted, when doors close unexpectedly, or when we face unprovoked hostility, this passage calls us to respond with wisdom, patience, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign leading. Instead of forcing our way or retaliating in anger, we are invited to "turn away" in obedience, seeking God's alternative path, however circuitous it may seem. This often involves surrendering our preferred timeline or method, recognizing that God's detours are not diversions from His plan but integral parts of it, designed to refine our character, deepen our faith, and lead us to His ultimate destination. It reminds us that our primary call is to obedience and peace, trusting that God will make a way where there seems to be no way, and that His purposes will prevail regardless of human opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently facing "closed doors" or unexpected opposition?**
* **How do I typically react when my plans are frustrated? Do I seek to force my way, or do I prayerfully consider God's alternative routes?**
* **What does "turning away" in obedience look like in my current circumstances, prioritizing peace and God's will over immediate gratification or conflict?**
* **How can I cultivate deeper trust in God's sovereign guidance, even when His path for me involves detours or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Why did Edom refuse Israel passage, especially given their familial connection?**

Answer: Edom's refusal stemmed from a combination of factors, primarily a deep-seated, historical animosity rooted in the rivalry between their patriarchs, Esau and Jacob ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). While Israel emphasized their peaceful intentions and willingness to pay for resources, Edom likely viewed the large Israelite multitude as a potential threat to their sovereignty, resources, and strategic trade routes, particularly the King's Highway. Their response was not merely a lack of hospitality but an act of overt hostility, driven by fear, suspicion, and an ancient grudge, despite God's command to Israel not to provoke them ([Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - Do Not Provoke Edom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Edom's refusal and Israel's subsequent detour, while seemingly a setback, profoundly foreshadows the journey of God's people through this world and the ultimate "passage" opened by Christ. Just as Israel sought passage to a promised land, humanity seeks a homeland, a heavenly city, which the author of Hebrews describes as being longed for by the faithful of old ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Longing for a Better Country")). While earthly powers and obstacles may "refuse" us passage or present formidable barriers, the ultimate "way" to God's presence and eternal life is not through human negotiation or force, but through the singular, unhindered path provided by Jesus Christ. He declared, "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, the Truth, and the Life")). Edom's closed border highlights humanity's inability to enter God's presence on its own terms, but Christ, the Lamb of God, has opened a new and living way through His sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). He is the one who holds the "key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens" ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The Key of David")), guaranteeing passage for all who trust in Him, leading them not around obstacles, but through them, to the ultimate promised 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

Judges 11:18

Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Deuteronomy 2:29

(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 2:4

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:

Deuteronomy 2:8

¶ And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Deuteronomy 2:27

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.

Deuteronomy 23:7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.