"We will stay on the main road," the Israelites replied, "and 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." “We will stay on the main road,”Israel pledged to follow the King’s Highway, the established route through Edomite territory east of the Arabah. Travel on the public road would avoid fields, vineyards, and settlements, limiting any burden on Edom. Deu 2:27 Let us pass through your land; we will stay… the Israelites replied, Moses continued to seek a peaceful passage from Edom, the nation descended from Esau. Though Jacob and Esau’s descendants had a troubled history, Israel did not claim the right to take Edom’s land, which God had assigned to Esau’s line. Jdg 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,… “and if we or our herds drink your water, Water sources in Edom were essential and carefully guarded in the dry wilderness region. Israel recognized Edom’s ownership of its wells and springs and offered no presumption of entitlement. Deu 2:28 You can sell us food to eat and water to drink… we will pay for it. Payment would remove any loss or accusation of exploitation. Israel’s request showed respect for Edom’s borders and resources while pursuing the path God had set before them. Deu 2:29 Just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir… There will be no problem; Israel promised that its journey would bring neither injury nor conflict. The nation sought passage, not conquest, even though Edom later answered with military force. Gen 26:29 you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you… only let us pass through on foot.” Israel asked only to continue its wilderness journey toward the land God had promised. Edom’s refusal forced the people to turn away and travel by another route, demonstrating that God’s purposes would continue despite human opposition. Jdg 11:19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, seeking passage through Edom to reach the Promised Land. 2. Edom A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, who refused passage to the Israelites. 3. Moses The leader of the Israelites, negotiating with Edom for safe passage. 4. Edom's King The ruler who denied the Israelites' request, leading to a detour in their journey. 5. The Main Road The King's Highway, a major trade route that the Israelites sought to use for their journey. Teaching Points Peaceful NegotiationThe Israelites' approach to Edom exemplifies a peaceful and respectful request, even when facing opposition. Believers are encouraged to pursue peace and respect in their interactions. Respect for Others' Property The offer to pay for any water consumed highlights the importance of respecting others' resources and being willing to compensate for what is used. Trust in God's Provision Despite Edom's refusal, God provided for Israel. This teaches believers to trust in God's provision, even when human plans fail. Handling Rejection The Israelites faced rejection but did not retaliate. This is a lesson in handling rejection with grace and continuing to trust in God's plan. Historical Relationships Understanding the historical context between Israel and Edom can help believers appreciate the complexities of relationships and the importance of reconciliation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Israelites' request to Edom reflect principles of peaceful negotiation, and how can we apply these principles in our daily interactions?2. In what ways does the offer to pay for water demonstrate respect for others' property, and how can this be applied in our stewardship of resources? 3. How can we trust in God's provision when our plans are thwarted, as seen in the Israelites' journey through Edom? 4. What can we learn from the Israelites' response to rejection, and how can we apply this in situations where we face opposition or denial? 5. How does understanding the historical relationship between Israel and Edom enhance our understanding of reconciliation and forgiveness in our own relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25The origin of the Edomites, tracing back to Esau, provides context for the strained relationship between Edom and Israel. Deuteronomy 2 Offers a recount of the Israelites' journey and God's instructions regarding Edom. Romans 12 Encourages believers to live peaceably with all, reflecting the Israelites' peaceful request to Edom. Matthew 5 Jesus' teaching on loving one's enemies, which can be contrasted with Edom's refusal to help their kin.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Along, Anything, Cattle, Drink, Foot, Highway, Hurt, Livestock, Main, Nothing, Pass, Pay, Price, Replied, Road, Sons, Thereof, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:19Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). "Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done. The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby. Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Backsliding. Numbers Links Numbers 20:19 NIVNumbers 20:19 NLT Numbers 20:19 ESV Numbers 20:19 NASB Numbers 20:19 KJV Numbers 20:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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