Numbers 20:14 - Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the travail that has happened to us;
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What does "Numbers 20:14" mean?
Numbers 20:14 marks the beginning of a diplomatic exchange between the Israelites, led by Moses, and the Edomites. Let's break down the verse:
"Moses sent messengers from Kadesh...": The Israelites are encamped at Kadesh, a significant oasis in the desert. Moses, their leader, is initiating contact with Edom.
"...to the king of Edom...": Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. They controlled territory east of the Arabah, a valley that forms part of the border between Israel and Jordan. Moses is approaching their ruler.
"...saying: “Thus says your brother Israel...": This is the start of the message. The Israelites identify themselves as "your brother Israel" emphasizing a familial connection to the Edomites, aiming to create a sense of kinship and potentially foster a more favorable response. While technically descended from brothers, the relationship had been strained for generations.
"...You know all the travail that has happened to us;": This is the core of the message. "Travail" refers to hardship, suffering, and affliction. The Israelites are stating that the Edomites are aware of the difficulties they've faced – their slavery in Egypt, the exodus, the wilderness wanderings, etc. There is an implication that the Edomites should show some compassion because of this shared knowledge of their suffering.
In summary, the verse sets the stage for a request from the Israelites to pass through Edom's territory. Moses is attempting to leverage a perceived familial connection and acknowledge the Edomites' awareness of Israel's hardships to gain their consent. He hopes that by framing the request in this way, Edom will be more inclined to grant them passage. However, as the narrative continues, it becomes clear that Edom is not receptive to this appeal.
Numbers 20:14 - Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the travail that has happened to us;
What does "Numbers 20:14" mean?
Numbers 20:14 marks the beginning of a diplomatic exchange between the Israelites, led by Moses, and the Edomites. Let's break down the verse:
"Moses sent messengers from Kadesh...": The Israelites are encamped at Kadesh, a significant oasis in the desert. Moses, their leader, is initiating contact with Edom.
"...to the king of Edom...": Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. They controlled territory east of the Arabah, a valley that forms part of the border between Israel and Jordan. Moses is approaching their ruler.
"...saying: “Thus says your brother Israel...": This is the start of the message. The Israelites identify themselves as "your brother Israel" emphasizing a familial connection to the Edomites, aiming to create a sense of kinship and potentially foster a more favorable response. While technically descended from brothers, the relationship had been strained for generations.
"...You know all the travail that has happened to us;": This is the core of the message. "Travail" refers to hardship, suffering, and affliction. The Israelites are stating that the Edomites are aware of the difficulties they've faced – their slavery in Egypt, the exodus, the wilderness wanderings, etc. There is an implication that the Edomites should show some compassion because of this shared knowledge of their suffering.
In summary, the verse sets the stage for a request from the Israelites to pass through Edom's territory. Moses is attempting to leverage a perceived familial connection and acknowledge the Edomites' awareness of Israel's hardships to gain their consent. He hopes that by framing the request in this way, Edom will be more inclined to grant them passage. However, as the narrative continues, it becomes clear that Edom is not receptive to this appeal.