Numbers 21:22

KJV

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink [of] the waters of the well: [but] we will go along by the king's [high] way, until we be past thy borders.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let me pass {H5674} through thy land {H776}: we will not turn {H5186} into the fields {H7704}, or into the vineyards {H3754}; we will not drink {H8354} of the waters {H4325} of the well {H875}: but we will go along {H3212} by the king's {H4428} high way {H1870}, until we be past {H5674} thy borders {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Let me pass through your land. We won't turn aside into fields or vineyards, and we won't drink any water from the wells. We will go along the King's Highway until we have left your territory."

Berean Standard Bible

“Let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”

American Standard Version

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway, until we have passed thy border.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:22 records a crucial diplomatic overture from Moses, representing the Israelite nation, to King Sihon of the Amorites. As Israel advanced toward the Promised Land, they sought peaceful and unhindered transit through Sihon's territory. The request explicitly promised to respect private property, agricultural lands, and water sources, indicating a clear intent to avoid conflict or imposition, and specifying their desire to travel solely along the well-known public thoroughfare, the "king's high way," until they had completely exited Sihon's domain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter stages of Israel's wilderness journey, immediately following their divinely-assisted victory over the Aradites at Hormah, a testament to God's power and faithfulness in battle ([Numbers 21:1-3](/numbers/21-1-3 "Numbers 21:1-3 - Victory over the Aradites")). It intentionally echoes an earlier, similarly respectful, yet ultimately rejected, request for passage from the Edomites in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage"). The repetition of such diplomatic attempts underscores Israel's commitment to proper protocol, even as a nation guided by divine mandate, and serves to highlight the Amorite king's unreasonable and aggressive refusal, which then sets the stage for God's subsequent intervention and Israel's conquest of the Transjordanian territory ([Numbers 21:23-24](/numbers/21-23-24 "Numbers 21:23-24 - Sihon's Refusal and Defeat")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was approaching the strategically vital Transjordanian plateau, a region east of the Jordan River that lay directly in their path to Canaan. This area was controlled by various established kingdoms, including the powerful Amorites under King Sihon, whose capital was Heshbon. The "king's high way" (Hebrew: *derekh hammelekh*) was a renowned, ancient trade route, often maintained by ruling authorities, signifying a public thoroughfare distinct from private or agricultural lands. For a large group like the Israelites, passage along such a route was the most efficient and least disruptive way to travel, minimizing direct contact with the local populace and their resources. Diplomatic requests for transit were common in the ancient Near East, frequently involving specific assurances regarding behavior, resource consumption, and the duration of passage, all designed to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:22 profoundly illustrates several significant themes. Firstly, it showcases **Israel's commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolution** as a primary approach, even when possessing a divine mandate and military capability. This demonstrates a foundational biblical principle of seeking peace where possible before resorting to conflict. Secondly, it highlights **respect for the sovereignty and property rights of other nations**, as evidenced by the explicit promises not to trespass on fields, vineyards, or wells. This reflects a broader biblical principle of justice and non-aggression, even towards those outside the covenant community. Lastly, it powerfully illustrates **God's sovereign guidance** over Israel's journey; even when human efforts at diplomacy are rebuffed, God's ultimate plan for His people's inheritance remains on track, often using such rejections to further His purposes, as seen in the subsequent defeat of Sihon, which God himself orchestrated by hardening Sihon's heart to ensure Israel's victory ([Deuteronomy 2:30-31](/deuteronomy/2-30-31 "Deuteronomy 2:30-31 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This verb (H5674) signifies movement from one side to another, implying transition, crossing over, or going through. In this context, it emphasizes Israel's desire for unhindered, temporary transit, a passage without any intention of permanent settlement or hostile engagement within Sihon's core territory. It highlights the limited and non-invasive scope of their request.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This noun (H1870) refers to a road (as trodden), a path, or a course. When combined with "king's" (H4428, _melek_), "king's high way" (Hebrew, _derekh hammelekh_) specifically designates a public, main road, literally "the king's road" or "the royal road." By specifying this well-established thoroughfare, Israel underscored their commitment to using only public infrastructure, thereby minimizing any perceived threat or imposition on Sihon's kingdom and its private resources.
* **Borders (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** This noun (H1366) denotes a defined boundary or territory, often marked by a cord or line. The phrase "until we be past thy borders" clearly communicates Israel's intention to exit Sihon's land completely once their transit was accomplished. It reinforces the temporary and non-invasive nature of their request, assuring Sihon that their presence would be limited and their departure guaranteed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let me pass through thy land":** This opening plea establishes the core request: a peaceful, temporary right of way through the Amorite territory. It is a direct, diplomatic appeal, indicating Israel's recognition of Sihon's sovereignty over his land and their desire to avoid conflict.
* **"we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards":** This specific promise addresses a key concern for any ruler: the protection of agricultural resources. Fields and vineyards were vital for sustenance and economy. Israel's commitment not to deviate into these cultivated areas demonstrates their respect for private property and their intent to avoid any damage, unauthorized foraging, or perceived acts of aggression.
* **"we will not drink [of] the waters of the well":** Access to water was critically important in the arid ancient Near East, often a source of contention and conflict. By promising not to consume water from Sihon's wells, Israel further assured Sihon that they would not deplete his kingdom's essential resources or infringe upon local water rights, implying they would carry their own provisions or use alternative, non-local sources.
* **"[but] we will go along by the king's [high] way, until we be past thy borders":** This concluding clause reiterates and clarifies Israel's intended route and duration. Their movement would be strictly confined to the main public road, and their presence would cease entirely once they had traversed the defined boundaries of Sihon's kingdom. This provides a clear, time-limited, and non-threatening itinerary, underscoring their peaceful intentions.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Numbers 21:22 is primarily characterized by **Diplomatic Language**, reflecting a formal and respectful appeal from one sovereign entity to another. The use of polite requests ("Let me pass") combined with specific, detailed assurances ("we will not turn," "we will not drink," "we will go along by the king's high way") is a hallmark of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, designed to build trust and prevent misunderstanding. There is also a strong element of **Repetition/Emphasis** in the repeated "we will not" clauses, which serves to underscore the sincerity and strictness of Israel's commitment to non-interference. This emphatic negation highlights their peaceful intentions and their desire to avoid any provocation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as Sihon's subsequent rejection of this reasonable and respectful request directly precipitates the divinely orchestrated conflict and Israel's conquest of the Transjordan, setting the stage for their entry into Canaan and demonstrating God's sovereign hand in their journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:22 illustrates a profound theological truth about God's sovereignty working through human agency and even human resistance. While Israel, guided by God, sought a peaceful resolution, their diplomatic efforts were ultimately rejected by King Sihon. This rejection was not an impediment to God's plan but rather a catalyst for its advancement, as God used Sihon's hardened heart to deliver his land into Israel's hands, thereby clearing a path for His people to enter the Promised Land. This demonstrates that God's purposes will prevail, whether through human cooperation or through the overcoming of opposition. It also provides a model for believers: to seek peace and act with integrity in our interactions, even when facing those who may become adversaries, trusting that God will orchestrate circumstances for His glory and the fulfillment of His ultimate will.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalm/135-10-12 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Defeat of Kings")
* [Judges 11:19-20](/judges/11-19-20 "Judges 11:19-20 - Jephthah Recalls Sihon's Refusal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:22 offers a powerful lesson in how we approach difficult situations and potential conflicts. Israel, a nation with a divine mandate and a powerful God, still chose to pursue diplomacy and respect for boundaries first. This teaches us the enduring value of seeking peaceful resolutions, extending courtesy, and respecting the autonomy and property of others, even when we believe we have a "higher" purpose or right. It challenges us to consider whether our initial posture in disagreements is one of humility and negotiation, or immediate confrontation. Furthermore, the subsequent events remind us that even when our sincere and righteous overtures are met with hostility or rejection, God remains sovereign. He can use the very opposition we face to open new doors, reveal His power, and advance His purposes in ways we could not have foreseen. Our responsibility is to act justly and peaceably; God's is to ensure His will is done.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to seek peaceful solutions and respectful engagement before resorting to conflict?**
* **How does Israel's willingness to respect Sihon's boundaries challenge my own approach to personal or communal resources and rights?**
* **When my best intentions or diplomatic efforts are rejected, how can I trust that God is still at work, potentially using the opposition for a greater purpose?**
* **What "king's high way" am I called to walk in my life, avoiding unnecessary detours into conflict or trespass?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel specifically promise not to turn into fields or drink from wells?**

Answer: These specific promises were crucial assurances in the ancient Near East, where agriculture and water sources were vital for survival and economy. By explicitly stating they would not deviate into fields or vineyards, Israel guaranteed they would not damage crops or forage without permission, which would have been an act of aggression or theft. Similarly, promising not to drink from local wells meant they would not deplete essential water supplies, a common point of contention. These assurances were designed to demonstrate Israel's peaceful intentions and their commitment to respecting the Amorite kingdom's resources and sovereignty, minimizing any perceived threat from a large traveling population.

**What was the significance of the "king's high way" in this context?**

Answer: The "king's high way" (Hebrew: *derekh hammelekh*) was a well-established, public thoroughfare, often maintained by the ruling authority for trade, communication, or military movement. By requesting to use only this main road, Israel was signaling their intent to travel directly and efficiently through the territory without venturing into private lands, villages, or sensitive areas. It was a clear statement of their desire for a simple, non-disruptive transit, reinforcing their promise of peaceful passage and their recognition of Sihon's authority over his domain. This route was distinct from smaller paths or private property, emphasizing their commitment to avoid trespass.

**What happened immediately after this diplomatic request?**

Answer: Despite Israel's respectful and reasonable request, King Sihon of the Amorites refused them passage ([Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Sihon Refuses Israel")). Not only did he refuse, but he gathered his entire army and marched out to confront Israel in battle at Jahaz. This aggressive response led to a decisive military engagement where the Lord delivered Sihon and his army into Israel's hands, resulting in a complete victory for Israel. They subsequently conquered and occupied all the Amorite territory from the Arnon to the Jabbok, including Heshbon, Sihon's capital ([Numbers 21:24-25](/numbers/21-24-25 "Numbers 21:24-25 - Israel Defeats Sihon")). This event was a significant milestone in Israel's journey, securing a large portion of the Transjordanian land for them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:22, though detailing an ancient diplomatic request, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Israel sought a "way" through the land to reach their promised inheritance, so too does humanity seek a "way" to God and eternal life. Jesus 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 is the Way")). He is the ultimate "King's High Way," the divinely ordained path that leads to the true Promised Land, the Kingdom of God. Unlike Sihon, who refused passage and met destruction, God in Christ offers free passage to all who believe, not through conquest of earthly territory but through the conquest of sin and death on the cross. Jesus did not "turn into the fields" of worldly power or "drink from the wells" of human glory; instead, He humbly walked the path of obedience, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His journey through suffering and resurrection opened a new and living way for us ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")), allowing us to pass through the "borders" of sin and death into the glorious freedom of God's children ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Bondage")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God clearing the way for His people, not by force against a resistant king, but by sacrificial love, inviting all to walk His path.

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

Numbers 20:17

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.