Numbers 20:20

20 And he said, Thou shalt not pass through me; and Edom went forth to meet him with a great host, and a mighty hand.

Numbers 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 20:20

And he said, thou shall not go through
Which is an absolute and peremptory denial:

and Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand;
the king raised the militia of his country, and came at the head of a powerful army to hinder their passing into it; being fearful and jealous, lest such a large body as they were should seize on his country, or spoil it, not relying on their promises; and this might arise also from the old grudge of Esau against Jacob, and which continued in his posterity, and might now be revived upon their going to Canaan to possess the earthly blessing conferred on Jacob and his seed: however, it seems, though the Edomites would not let Israel pass through their country, yet they furnished them with food and drink for their money, ( Deuteronomy 2:28 Deuteronomy 2:29 ) .

Numbers 20:20 In-Context

18 And Edom said to him, Thou shalt not pass through me, and if otherwise, I will go forth to meet thee in war.

19 And the children of Israel say to him, We will pass by the mountain; and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, I will pay thee: but it is no matter of importance, we will go by the mountain.

20 And he said, Thou shalt not pass through me; and Edom went forth to meet him with a great host, and a mighty hand.

21 So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his borders, and Israel turned away from him.

22 And they departed from Cades; and the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came to Mount Or.