Meaning of Judges 11:17

This verse from Judges 11:17 describes a crucial moment in the Israelites' journey where their attempts to traverse through the lands of Edom and Moab are met with outright refusal, forcing them to remain in Kadesh. This incident highlights the recurring theme of external opposition faced by the Israelites as they sought to fulfill God's will, demonstrating that their path was not always one of easy passage or amicable relations with neighboring peoples. The refusal from both kings underscores the political and geographical barriers that God, through His sovereignty, allowed to shape the Israelites' destiny, ultimately leading them to rely on His direct intervention rather than on diplomatic solutions or forced passage.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds during the period of the Judges, a tumultuous era in Israelite history characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. Specifically, this passage is situated within the story of Jephthah, a Gileadite judge. The Israelites, having been oppressed by the Ammonites for eighteen years, were preparing for a military confrontation. Before engaging the enemy, they sought a direct route through Edom and Moab, kingdoms descended from Esau and Lot respectively, Abraham's nephew. This request for passage was a common diplomatic practice in the ancient Near East, but in this instance, it was strategically important for Israel to avoid lengthy detours. The kings of Edom and Moab, however, denied Israel's request, citing concerns about their large population and livestock potentially consuming their resources, and fearing a military incursion. This refusal forced the Israelites to find an alternative route, which would eventually lead them to confront the Amorites.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Providence: God's plan for Israel was not contingent on the goodwill of neighboring nations. Their refusal, while an obstacle, ultimately served to direct Israel along a path that God had ordained.
• External Opposition: The verse illustrates the persistent hostility Israel faced from surrounding peoples, often a consequence of their covenant relationship with God and their distinct identity.
• Reliance on God: Denied passage, Israel was compelled to depend on God's guidance and power for their onward journey and for victory against their enemies.
• Strategic Delays: The forced stay in Kadesh, though seemingly a setback, may have served a purpose in God's timing, perhaps allowing for further preparation or a more strategic engagement.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse speaks to the reality that the Christian walk often involves unexpected obstacles and the resistance of the world. Just as Israel was denied passage, believers may encounter resistance when seeking to live out their faith or fulfill God's calling. The refusal of the Edomite and Moabite kings serves as a reminder that divine purposes can be achieved even when human cooperation is absent. The spiritual lesson is to remain steadfast, trusting that God will provide an alternative path or empower us to overcome the barriers placed before us. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our ultimate destination and victory are assured through God's power, not through the accommodation of the world.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident is a precursor to the Exodus narrative, where Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go necessitated a series of plagues and God's mighty acts of deliverance. While the context is different, the pattern of seeking passage and being denied, leading to divine intervention, is similar. Furthermore, the refusal by Edom and Moab foreshadows future conflicts and complex relationships between Israel and these descendant nations, often characterized by animosity and God's judgment. It also reinforces the idea that Israel's journey to the Promised Land was not a simple migration but a divinely orchestrated conquest and settlement, often involving overcoming formidable human and geographical challenges.

Analogies

One analogy for this situation is a traveler seeking a direct route to a destination but finding the main road blocked. They are forced to take a longer, perhaps more challenging, detour. However, this detour might lead them to discover a hidden vista or a more opportune moment to arrive. Another analogy is a business seeking a permit for a new venture. When one avenue is blocked, they must explore alternative strategies and perhaps find a more innovative or ultimately successful approach. The key is that the initial obstacle does not signify the end of the journey but a redirection that may ultimately be part of a larger, beneficial plan.

Relation to Other Verses

• Numbers 20:14-21: This passage recounts a very similar request for passage through Edom during Israel's wilderness wanderings. The Edomite king's refusal there is also met with Israel's decision to go around Edom. This recurring theme emphasizes the ongoing tension and lack of cooperation between Israel and Edom.
• Deuteronomy 2:4-8: Moses, recounting this history, instructs the Israelites not to provoke Edom or Moab, acknowledging their lineage and God's command to let them possess their land. This highlights God's awareness of and involvement in the political landscape of the region.
• Psalm 135:11: "Sihon the king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan." This verse lists kings who opposed Israel, underscoring that the refusal from Edom and Moab was part of a larger pattern of resistance from various Canaanite and surrounding peoples.
• Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This New Testament verse offers a theological framework for understanding such setbacks. The refusal of Edom and Moab, though inconvenient, ultimately served God's purposes for Israel.