Numbers 20:19
And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בַּֽמְסִלָּ֣ה
by the high way
H4546
בַּֽמְסִלָּ֣ה
by the high way
Strong's:
H4546
Word #:
5 of 18
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
נַֽעֲלֶה֒
unto him We will go
H5927
נַֽעֲלֶה֒
unto him We will go
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 18
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מֵימֶ֤יךָ
of thy water
H4325
מֵימֶ֤יךָ
of thy water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
8 of 18
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וּמִקְנַ֔י
and if I and my cattle
H4735
וּמִקְנַ֔י
and if I and my cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
11 of 18
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וְנָֽתַתִּ֖י
then I will pay
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֖י
then I will pay
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
רַ֥ק
H7535
רַ֥ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
דָּבָ֖ר
for it I will only without doing any thing
H1697
דָּבָ֖ר
for it I will only without doing any thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
16 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Historical Context
Offering payment for water showed unusual consideration; ancient custom typically granted travelers water freely. Israel's willingness to pay demonstrated respect for Edom's territory and resources. This generous offer makes Edom's continued refusal all the more unreasonable.
Questions for Reflection
- How far should you go in making concessions to achieve peace?
- What helps you recognize when further concession is futile and acceptance of rejection is necessary?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's second appeal offered to pay for any water consumed and pledged to stay on the highway. This even more accommodating request addressed any economic concern Edom might have. Increasing concession in face of opposition demonstrates good-faith effort at reconciliation. Yet some refusals are absolute regardless of concessions offered.