Numbers 20:18

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

And Edom {H123} said {H559} unto him, Thou shalt not pass {H5674} by me, lest I come out {H3318} against {H7125} thee with the sword {H2719}.

But Edom answered, "You are not to pass through my land; if you do, I will come out against you with the sword."

But Edom answered, โ€œYou may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.โ€

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.

Commentary

Numbers 20:18 records the harsh refusal of the Edomites to grant Israel passage through their land during the wilderness journey, accompanied by a direct military threat. This verse is pivotal in understanding the challenges Israel faced on their path to the promised land.

Context

At this point in their journey, the Israelites, led by Moses, were nearing the end of their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. They had sent messengers to the King of Edom, a nation descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), requesting peaceful passage through their territory, specifically along the "King's Highway" (Numbers 20:17). Moses assured Edom that Israel would not trespass on their fields or vineyards, nor drink their water, promising to pay for any water consumed. This verse delivers Edom's uncompromising and hostile response, demonstrating a deep-seated animosity rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:41).

Key Themes

  • Edomite Hostility: The verse clearly illustrates the unprovoked aggression and suspicion from Edom. Despite Israel's peaceful overtures and promises, Edom chose confrontation, reflecting a long history of animosity between the two nations.
  • Obstacles to Divine Leading: Even when following God's direct guidance towards the promised land, Israel encountered significant human resistance. This highlights that God's plan doesn't always unfold without opposition.
  • The Threat of Force: The phrase "lest I come out against thee with the sword" is a clear declaration of war, indicating Edom's willingness to use military might to enforce their refusal. This forced Israel to seek an alternative route (Numbers 20:21), rather than engage in conflict with a related people, which God had previously cautioned against (Deuteronomy 2:4).

Linguistic Insights

The name "Edom" itself is significant, meaning "red," which harks back to Esau's craving for red pottage and his subsequent sale of his birthright. This historical detail underscores the ancient roots of the Edomites' identity and their relationship with Israel. The word "sword" (Hebrew: แธฅereแธ‡) is a direct, unambiguous term for a weapon of war, emphasizing the seriousness of Edom's threat.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:18 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, even when we are clearly following God's will and seeking a peaceful path, we may encounter unexpected resistance and hostility from others. Not every obstacle requires direct confrontation; sometimes, wisdom dictates finding an alternative route or patiently waiting on God's direction. Secondly, it reminds us that old grudges or historical animosities can persist and create barriers, even when efforts are made towards reconciliation. Finally, it reinforces the truth that God will ultimately guide His people to their destination, even if the path becomes longer or more challenging than anticipated, demonstrating His faithfulness through all circumstances.

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Cross-References

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