Numbers 20:16

16 But we cried out to the Lord. He heard our cry. He sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. " 'Now here we are at the town of Kadesh. It's on the edge of your territory.

Numbers 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 20:16

And when we cried unto the Lord
By reason of their bondage, and to be delivered from it, ( Exodus 2:24 ) ( 3:7 ) :

he heard our voice;
their prayer to him, as the Targum of Jonathan, for help and deliverance, ( Exodus 2:24 ) ( 3:7 ) :

and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt;
one of the ministering angels, as the same Targum, and so Aben Ezra; though he observes that some interpret it of Moses, as do Jarchi, Ben Gersom, and Ben Melech, which is not likely; since Moses is the person that sent this message to the king of Edom, who would not easily understand it of him, if so he meant; nor would the mention of it be of any consequence and avail with him; whereas to understand it of some divine and heavenly agent, sent by the Lord on so important an affair, might make it the more remarkable, and to be regarded by him: and indeed no other is meant than the Angel of God's presence, who appeared to Moses in the bush, and sent him to Pharaoh to demand the dismission of the children of Israel; and who, by him, wrought the wonders in Egypt, and brought Israel from thence, and went before them in a pillar of cloud and fire:

and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border;
not that they were properly in the city, but near it, for they dwelt in tents in the wilderness; nor would that, or anyone city, hold so large a number as they consisted of.

Numbers 20:16 In-Context

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. The messengers said, "The nation of Israel is your brother. They say, 'You know about all of the hard times we've had.

15 Long ago our people went down into Egypt. We lived there for many years. The Egyptians treated us and our people badly.

16 But we cried out to the Lord. He heard our cry. He sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. " 'Now here we are at the town of Kadesh. It's on the edge of your territory.

17 Please let us pass through your country. We won't go through any field or vineyard. We won't drink water from any well. We'll travel along the king's highway. We won't turn to the right or the left. We'll just go straight through your territory.' "

18 But the people of Edom answered, "You can't pass through here. If you try to, we'll march out against you. We'll attack you with our swords."