Numbers 20:20

20 But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong 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 But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”

19 “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”

20 But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.

21 So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them.

22 After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor.