Numbers 21:4
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֞וּ
And they journeyed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֞וּ
And they journeyed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
הָהָר֙
from mount
H2022
הָהָר֙
from mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 14
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃
because of the way
H1870
בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃
because of the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 14
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יַם
sea
H3220
יַם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
5 of 14
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
לִסְבֹ֖ב
to compass
H5437
לִסְבֹ֖ב
to compass
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
7 of 14
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
10 of 14
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
וַתִּקְצַ֥ר
was much discouraged
H7114
וַתִּקְצַ֥ר
was much discouraged
Strong's:
H7114
Word #:
11 of 14
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
נֶֽפֶשׁ
and the soul
H5315
נֶֽפֶשׁ
and the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Exodus 6:9And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.Judges 11:18Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.Numbers 32:7And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Numbers 32:9For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.Numbers 33:41And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.
Historical Context
The southern route around Edom added significant time and distance to reach Canaan. This detour through difficult terrain came near the 40 years' end, when entry to the Promised Land seemed tantalizingly close yet frustratingly delayed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do unexpected detours in your spiritual journey test your trust in God's wisdom?
- What practices help you maintain faith when God's path seems unnecessarily difficult?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel journeyed 'by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom' because Edom refused passage (20:14-21). This detour tested patience, prompting the complaint that follows. The phrase 'the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way' reveals how circumstantial difficulty can erode faith, especially when God's path seems indirect or unnecessarily hard.