Numbers 20:21

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

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 “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.

23 And at Mount Hor, near the border of the land of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,