Numbers 20:14-21

14 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom. He said, "Your brothers, the Israelites, say to you: You know about all the troubles we have had,

15 how our ancestors went down into Egypt and we lived there for many years. The people of Egypt were cruel to us and our ancestors,

16 but when we cried out to the Lord, he heard us and sent us an angel to bring us out of Egypt. "Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your land.

17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not touch any fields of grain or vineyards, and will not drink water from the wells. We will travel only along the king's road, not turning right or left until we have passed through your country."

18 But the king of Edom answered: "You may not pass through here. If you try, I will come and meet you with swords."

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.

Numbers 20:14-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 20

In this chapter is an account of the children of Israel coming to the wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, and where wanting water they murmured, Nu 20:1-5, upon which Moses and Aaron applied to the Lord, who ordered Moses to speak to a rock, which should give forth water, and which being smitten by him, accordingly did, Nu 20:6-11, but Moses and Aaron, in their conduct of this affair, displeased the Lord, Nu 20:12,13, after this, Moses sent to the king of Edom to desire a passage through his country, which request was refused, Nu 20:14-21, upon Israel's coming to Mount Hor, Aaron, by order, went up to the mount, and, when stripped of his clothes, which were put on his son Eleazar, he died, lamented by all the people, Nu 20:22-29.