Numbers 21:22
Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The king's highway was an ancient trade route running north-south through Transjordan, connecting Arabia to Damascus and beyond. Archaeological evidence confirms this route's importance in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Israel's request to use this public road rather than cutting through fields and vineyards would minimize economic impact on the Amorite kingdom. The diplomatic nature of the request reflects common ancient Near Eastern protocol when one nation sought passage through another's territory. Sihon's refusal and subsequent attack on Israel (verse 23) violated normal diplomatic conventions and demonstrated the hardening God had brought upon him for judgment purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's diplomatic approach to the Amorites demonstrate the biblical principle of pursuing peace where possible while remaining ready to fight when necessary?
- What does Sihon's refusal of Israel's reasonable request teach about how God uses human sin and hardness to accomplish His sovereign purposes in judgment and redemption?
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's request to the king of the Amorites 'Let me pass through thy land' demonstrates their attempt at peaceful passage. The promise 'we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well' pledged non-interference with Amorite property. This respectful approach shows that Israel, despite their military strength (600,000+ fighting men), sought peace when possible. God's people are called to pursue peace where conscience permits, living peaceably with all men as much as possible (Romans 12:18).
The commitment 'but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders' specified use of public roads, the established trade routes connecting regions. The 'king's highway' was a major north-south route through Transjordan. By promising to stay on public roads and not trespass on private property, Israel offered terms that should have been acceptable to a reasonable ruler. The request demonstrated wisdom in diplomacy—neither demanding passage as a right nor accepting unnecessary conflict when peaceful transit was possible.
Yet Sihon refused (verse 23), forcing military confrontation that resulted in Israel's victory and possession of Amorite territory. The Amorites' refusal of Israel's peaceful offer brought divine judgment upon them—they could have avoided destruction by granting passage, but their hardened resistance sealed their fate. This illustrates a recurring biblical pattern: those who resist God's people and purposes bring judgment upon themselves (Genesis 12:3), while those who bless them receive blessing (Rahab, Ruth).