Edom Refuses Passage

Moses sends a respectful appeal to Edom, calling Israel a brother and recounting the nation’s long affliction and deliverance from Egypt. He asks only for passage along the road without harm to land or water.

F¹⁴rom Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, ¹⁵how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, ¹⁶and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. ¹⁷Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”

Edom rejects the request and threatens armed resistance. Even after Israel offers stricter terms, Edom comes out in strength, and Israel turns away.

¹⁸But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” ¹⁹“We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” ²⁰But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. ²¹So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them.