Numbers 20:18 - Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.”
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What does "Numbers 20:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 20:18, is part of the narrative where the Israelites, led by Moses, are attempting to travel through the land of Edom during their Exodus journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Edom said to him...": Edom refers to the nation of Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother). "Him" refers to Moses, acting as the representative and leader of the Israelites. Moses had sent messengers to the King of Edom.
"You shall not pass through me...": This is a direct refusal by Edom to allow the Israelites to travel through their territory. Edom controlled a vital trade route, the King's Highway. Moses was asking for safe passage.
"...lest I come out with the sword against you.": This is a threat. Edom is saying that if the Israelites attempt to pass through their land, Edom will meet them with armed force and wage war against them. The "sword" is a symbol of military power and willingness to fight.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
The Israelites requested permission to pass through Edom's territory peacefully. Edom, however, adamantly refused, threatening military action if the Israelites tried to force their way through. This refusal forced the Israelites to find another route, lengthening their journey and likely causing hardship.
Significance and Context:
Relationship between Israel and Edom: The Israelites and Edomites were related, descended from brothers Jacob and Esau, respectively. This makes the refusal and the threat of violence all the more poignant.
Importance of Trade Routes: The King's Highway through Edom was a valuable asset. Edom was protecting its economic interests and political control.
Disobedience and Consequences: The incident highlights a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative: the Israelites' dependence on God, their obedience (or disobedience) to his commands, and the consequences that follow. Although Moses sought permission, some interpretations suggest he should have known better than to try to use that route.
Prophetic Implications: Some interpretations see Edom's hostility as a foreshadowing of future conflicts between Israel and its neighbors.
The verse represents a key moment of opposition and serves to illustrate the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to reach the Promised Land.
Numbers 20:18 - Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.”
What does "Numbers 20:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 20:18, is part of the narrative where the Israelites, led by Moses, are attempting to travel through the land of Edom during their Exodus journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Edom said to him...": Edom refers to the nation of Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother). "Him" refers to Moses, acting as the representative and leader of the Israelites. Moses had sent messengers to the King of Edom.
"You shall not pass through me...": This is a direct refusal by Edom to allow the Israelites to travel through their territory. Edom controlled a vital trade route, the King's Highway. Moses was asking for safe passage.
"...lest I come out with the sword against you.": This is a threat. Edom is saying that if the Israelites attempt to pass through their land, Edom will meet them with armed force and wage war against them. The "sword" is a symbol of military power and willingness to fight.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
The Israelites requested permission to pass through Edom's territory peacefully. Edom, however, adamantly refused, threatening military action if the Israelites tried to force their way through. This refusal forced the Israelites to find another route, lengthening their journey and likely causing hardship.
Significance and Context:
Relationship between Israel and Edom: The Israelites and Edomites were related, descended from brothers Jacob and Esau, respectively. This makes the refusal and the threat of violence all the more poignant.
Importance of Trade Routes: The King's Highway through Edom was a valuable asset. Edom was protecting its economic interests and political control.
Disobedience and Consequences: The incident highlights a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative: the Israelites' dependence on God, their obedience (or disobedience) to his commands, and the consequences that follow. Although Moses sought permission, some interpretations suggest he should have known better than to try to use that route.
Prophetic Implications: Some interpretations see Edom's hostility as a foreshadowing of future conflicts between Israel and its neighbors.
The verse represents a key moment of opposition and serves to illustrate the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to reach the Promised Land.