Numbers 20:14-21
Numbers 20:14-21
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Passage Through Edom Refused
14 Now Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hardship that has befallen us, 15 how our fathers went down to Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt a long time, and the Egyptians afflicted us and our fathers. 16 When we cried out to the Lord, He heard our voice and sent the Angel and brought us up out of Egypt; now here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border. 17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not pass through fields or vineyards, nor will we drink water from wells; we will go along the King’s Highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory.’ ”
18 Then Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through my land, lest I come out against you with the sword.”
19 So the children of Israel said to him, “We will go by the Highway, and if I or my livestock drink any of your water, then I will pay for it; let me only pass through on foot, nothing more.”
20 Then he said, “You shall not pass through.” So Edom came out against them with many men and with a strong hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory; so Israel turned away from him.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Nu 20:14–21.
Bible Study: Numbers Chapter 20, Verses 14-21
Context: The discussion focuses on a passage from Numbers 20 where the Israelites, led by Moses, request passage through Edom during their desert wanderings.
Key Points:
The Israelites promise not to harm or use any of Edom's resources without payment, emphasizing respect and non-interference.
Edom refuses passage, leading to a peaceful withdrawal by the Israelites despite the tension.
Discussion and Application
Moral Lessons: The hosts explore themes of respect for others' boundaries, the consequences of actions, and the importance of enduring discipline and challenges as part of faith.
Personal Reflections: The hosts encourage reflecting on times of personal challenge and discipline, noting that difficulties do not imply abandonment by God but are part of growth and learning.