Numbers 20:21
Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This occurred as Israel journeyed from Kadesh toward Canaan (v.14-21). Edom occupied territory south/southeast of Dead Sea. God had commanded Israel not to provoke Edom (Deut 2:4-6) due to kinship through Jacob and Esau. Israel's request for passage with promise of payment for water and staying on the King's Highway showed good faith (v.17-19). Edom's armed refusal forced Israel's lengthy detour around Edom's territory. Later history recorded ongoing tension - Edom refused aid when Babylon attacked Jerusalem (Obadiah 10-14, Ps 137:7), bringing prophesied judgment. However, in this instance Israel practiced patience with difficult relatives.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you demonstrate restraint with difficult people, choosing peace over assertion of rights?
- How can you discern when to press forward versus when to peacefully withdraw and seek alternative paths?
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Analysis & Commentary
Edom 'refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.' Despite kinship (Edom was Esau's descendants), Edom denied passage. Israel respected this refusal rather than fighting relatives, demonstrating restraint and honoring blood ties. The Hebrew 'natah' (turned away) shows peaceful withdrawal despite having military power after defeating Egypt. This teaches wisdom in choosing battles - not every wrong requires confrontation. Paul later counseled, 'if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men' (Rom 12:18). Sometimes God's will involves going around obstacles rather than through them.