Meaning of Numbers 20:14

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as Moses, acting as their representative, seeks safe passage through the land of Edom. The message to the king of Edom is deliberately framed with a sense of shared heritage and historical hardship, appealing to a familial connection ("your brother Israel") and a common understanding of suffering. This appeal is not merely rhetorical; it underscores the desperate situation of the Israelites, who had endured decades of trials and were now seeking a direct route to the Promised Land. The request for passage implies a need for their livestock to graze and their people to drink, acknowledging the logistical and survival needs of a large migrating population. The phrasing "You know about all the hardships that have come on us" is a direct appeal to the Edomites' awareness of Israel's history, including their miraculous Exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings, events that would have been widely known throughout the region.

Context and Background

The Israelites are encamped at Kadesh, a significant oasis in the wilderness of Zin, after many years of wandering following their departure from Egypt. They are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, but their direct path is blocked by the territory of Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother. According to the narrative in Numbers 20, they had been at Kadesh for some time, and the need to move forward became pressing. Moses' mission to the king of Edom is a diplomatic overture, a formal request for permission to traverse their land, with the promise of not deviating from the king's highway and paying for any provisions consumed. This request is crucial because Edom's territory is strategically located and offers a more direct route than the circuitous path they would otherwise have to take.

Key Themes and Messages

• Kinship and Covenant: The appeal to "your brother Israel" highlights the familial relationship between the descendants of Jacob and Esau, a bond rooted in their shared ancestor Abraham. This invokes a sense of obligation and shared history, suggesting that a brother should assist another.
• Diplomacy and Negotiation: Moses employs a diplomatic approach, sending messengers and making specific requests with assurances. This demonstrates a strategic and reasoned attempt to resolve a potential conflict through negotiation rather than force.
• Shared Hardship as a Basis for Appeal: The reference to "all the hardships" serves to remind the Edomites of Israel's extraordinary journey and suffering, implying that such a people, having endured so much, deserves consideration and assistance.
• Sovereignty and Boundaries: The request for passage implicitly acknowledges Edom's territorial sovereignty, as they are asking for permission rather than attempting to seize the land.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this event illustrates the importance of seeking peaceful and cooperative solutions, even when facing obstacles. It underscores the principle of approaching others with respect and recognizing shared humanity or, in this case, shared ancestry. The Israelites' reliance on diplomacy before resorting to other means can be seen as a model for how believers should engage with the world, seeking understanding and cooperation. Furthermore, it highlights God's orchestration of events, even through human interactions and potential refusals, to guide His people toward their destiny.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This encounter with Edom is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Edom's refusal to grant passage (Numbers 20:18-21) sets the stage for a significant detour for the Israelites and foreshadows future tensions and conflicts between Israel and Edom. This refusal is a direct contravention of the covenantal expectations of familial support. The narrative of Edom's consistent opposition to Israel continues through the prophetic books, often serving as an example of a nation that stands against God's chosen people, and eventually faces divine judgment. This incident is a crucial step in the development of Israel's identity as a nation forging its path towards the Promised Land, shaped by both divine guidance and the responses of neighboring peoples.

Analogies

One analogy for this situation is a family seeking to travel through a neighboring relative's property to reach a desired destination. They would likely appeal to their familial ties and explain their need, hoping for a generous and cooperative response. Another analogy is a community organization needing to cross a particular district to deliver aid, and formally requesting permission from the local authorities, highlighting their shared concern for well-being and the urgency of their mission.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 25:23: This verse prophesies the duality of the twin sons, Esau and Jacob, and their descendants: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated at birth; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." This prophecy directly relates to the relationship between Edom (descendants of Esau) and Israel (descendants of Jacob) and foreshadows the eventual subjugation of Edom.
• Deuteronomy 2:4-7: Moses recounts this same request to the king of Edom, reiterating the plea for passage and God's instruction to avoid conflict with Edom. This passage emphasizes God's directive to treat Edom with respect and not to provoke them, highlighting the importance of peaceful negotiation.
• Judges 11:17: The Ammonites, in their dispute with Israel, also refer to Israel's request for passage through their land, indicating that seeking passage through neighboring territories was a common diplomatic practice in the ancient Near East.
• Psalm 137:7: This psalm laments the destruction of Jerusalem and specifically calls for vengeance against Edom: "Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. 'Tear it down! Tear it down!'" This verse reflects the deep-seated animosity that developed between the two nations due to Edom's actions throughout history, including their refusal of passage.