This verse, Numbers 20:16, is a recounting of Israel's historical experience of liberation from Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"When we cried to Yahweh, he heard our voice...": This highlights the importance of prayer and the belief that God listens to the Israelites' pleas for help. Their suffering in Egypt was so great that they cried out for deliverance.
"...sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt.": This speaks to God's intervention in their plight. The "angel" is often understood as God's direct representative or agent of power. It was through this divine power that the Israelites were freed from their enslavement in Egypt. Note that while the verse mentions an angel, the book of Exodus emphasizes God's direct actions through plagues and miracles.
"Behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the edge of your border.": This sets the context for the current situation. Kadesh was a significant location in the wilderness, near the border of Canaan, the promised land. The Israelites had arrived at this point in their journey, indicating they were close to their destination, but still facing challenges. It is essentially saying, "Look, we have made it this far, thanks to God's help, and now we are at your border (presumably addressed to the King of Edom), asking for passage through your land."
In essence, the verse serves as:
A Reminder of God's Faithfulness: It reminds the Israelites (and the reader) of God's past deliverance from Egypt.
A Plea for Help: It serves as a preamble to the Israelites' request for passage through the land of Edom. They are appealing to the Edomites based on their shared ancestry and the fact that God has been faithful to them. They are hoping for compassion and cooperation.
A Geographical Marker: It places the Israelites at a specific location, Kadesh, which is significant in the narrative of their wanderings.
The Israelites are leveraging their history of divine intervention to persuade the Edomites to grant them passage. They are saying, "God has helped us this far; surely you can help us now by letting us pass through your land." However, as the rest of the chapter reveals, the Edomites refuse their request, leading to further challenges and detours for the Israelites.
This verse, Numbers 20:16, is a recounting of Israel's historical experience of liberation from Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"When we cried to Yahweh, he heard our voice...": This highlights the importance of prayer and the belief that God listens to the Israelites' pleas for help. Their suffering in Egypt was so great that they cried out for deliverance.
"...sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt.": This speaks to God's intervention in their plight. The "angel" is often understood as God's direct representative or agent of power. It was through this divine power that the Israelites were freed from their enslavement in Egypt. Note that while the verse mentions an angel, the book of Exodus emphasizes God's direct actions through plagues and miracles.
"Behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the edge of your border.": This sets the context for the current situation. Kadesh was a significant location in the wilderness, near the border of Canaan, the promised land. The Israelites had arrived at this point in their journey, indicating they were close to their destination, but still facing challenges. It is essentially saying, "Look, we have made it this far, thanks to God's help, and now we are at your border (presumably addressed to the King of Edom), asking for passage through your land."
In essence, the verse serves as:
A Reminder of God's Faithfulness: It reminds the Israelites (and the reader) of God's past deliverance from Egypt.
A Plea for Help: It serves as a preamble to the Israelites' request for passage through the land of Edom. They are appealing to the Edomites based on their shared ancestry and the fact that God has been faithful to them. They are hoping for compassion and cooperation.
A Geographical Marker: It places the Israelites at a specific location, Kadesh, which is significant in the narrative of their wanderings.
The Israelites are leveraging their history of divine intervention to persuade the Edomites to grant them passage. They are saying, "God has helped us this far; surely you can help us now by letting us pass through your land." However, as the rest of the chapter reveals, the Edomites refuse their request, leading to further challenges and detours for the Israelites.