Numbers 20:21

21 The Edomites refused to let them pass through their country, so the Israelites turned back.

Numbers 20:21 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his country,
&c.] Notwithstanding their near relation to each other, and the fair promises Israel made:

wherefore Israel turned away from him:
patiently bearing the refusal, and not resenting it; being ordered, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it, by the Word of heaven, not to make war with them, because the time was not yet come to take vengeance on Edom by their hands; and to the same purpose the Targum of Jerusalem.

Numbers 20:21 In-Context

19 The Israelites answered: "We will go along the main road, and if we or our animals drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to walk through. That's all."

20 But he answered: "You may not pass through here." Then the Edomites went out to meet the Israelites with a large and powerful army.

21 The Edomites refused to let them pass through their country, so the Israelites turned back.

22 All the Israelites moved from Kadesh to Mount Hor,

23 near the border of Edom. There the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,