Meaning of Numbers 20:18

This verse from Numbers 20:18 records a pivotal moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey, where their request to pass through Edomite territory is met with outright hostility and refusal. After their forty years of wandering, the Israelites, led by Moses, were nearing the Promised Land and sought a direct route through the land of Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The request was framed as a peaceful passage, promising to stay on the road, pay for any water or food consumed, and not harm anything. However, the Edomites, fearing a potentially overwhelming influx of people and livestock, chose to assert their sovereignty and territorial integrity through a clear threat of military action, thus setting a precedent for the challenges and opposition the Israelites would face not only from external nations but also from those with whom they shared a familial connection.

Context and Background

Following the death of Aaron and the destruction of the Amalekites (Numbers 21:1-3), the Israelites found themselves at the border of Edom. Their journey was meant to lead them to the Promised Land, and a direct passage through Edom would have significantly shortened their travel time. The request made by Moses was not unprecedented; it was a diplomatic overture, seeking permission and promising to be non-disruptive. The Edomites' refusal, however, was immediate and severe, escalating from a simple "no" to a direct threat of violence. This refusal was deeply disappointing for the Israelites, as Edom represented a significant obstacle and, given their shared ancestry through Isaac, a source of potential kinship that was instead replaced by animosity.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this encounter:

• Sovereignty and Borders: Edom asserts its right to control its own territory and to deny passage to foreign groups, highlighting the concept of national sovereignty even in the ancient world.
• Conflict and Opposition: The verse demonstrates that even those with a shared heritage can become adversaries, foreshadowing the numerous conflicts the Israelites would face.
• Divine Providence and Detours: While the Edomites' refusal was a human act, it ultimately played into God's larger plan, forcing the Israelites to take a longer, more circuitous route, which itself held significant lessons and divine interventions.
• The Consequences of Refusal: Edom's decision to reject their kinsmen has lasting implications within the biblical narrative, contributing to a long-standing tension between the two nations.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this event can be seen as a metaphor for various forms of resistance to God's people and God's purposes. Just as the Israelites were seeking a path to their promised inheritance, believers often encounter spiritual opposition that seeks to block their progress. This opposition can come from unexpected sources, even from those who might seem like allies or who share a common background. The Edomites' closed-off stance represents a refusal of divine guidance and a reliance on human strength and suspicion, a choice that ultimately isolates them from the blessings God intended for their kinsmen. For believers, it underscores the need for perseverance in faith, even when faced with obstacles and rejection, trusting that God will provide an alternative path to fulfillment.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Numbers 20:18 is a crucial link in the narrative of the Exodus and the journey to the Promised Land. It explains why the Israelites had to circumvent Edom and travel around the Dead Sea, leading them through territories that would later be significant in their history, such as Moab. This detour, though frustrating for the Israelites at the time, allowed for other divine encounters and judgments, such as the defeat of Sihon and Og, the Amorite kings, whose lands were then partly allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Furthermore, the animosity between Israel and Edom is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, with Edom often portrayed as an antagonist (e.g., Obadiah, Psalm 137:7).

Analogies

One analogy for this situation is a traveler seeking to reach a destination but finding a bridge out. Instead of being allowed to cross the river via a ferry that the bridge owner operates, the owner emphatically denies passage and threatens to attack if the traveler attempts to swim or find another way. The ferry owner prioritizes their perceived security and control over any potential benefit or good will from allowing passage. Another analogy is a homeowner who refuses to let a neighbor use a shortcut through their property, even for a brief and harmless walk, out of suspicion or a desire to maintain absolute privacy, despite a history of amicable relations.

Relation to Other Verses

This incident directly relates to several other biblical passages:

• Deuteronomy 2:1-8: Moses recounts this event to the new generation of Israelites, emphasizing that God had instructed them not to provoke the Edomites and that they were to go around their territory. This highlights God's foreknowledge and His management of the situation.
• Judges 11:17: The Israelites, through Jephthah, remind the Edomites of their historical refusal of passage, indicating the long-standing nature of this grievance.
• Obadiah 1:10-14: The prophet Obadiah prophesies against Edom for their actions against their brother Jacob, specifically mentioning their pride and their rejoicing over Judah's downfall, including their participation in its destruction. This shows the divine judgment that eventually fell upon Edom for their actions.
• Jeremiah 49:7-22: This passage also contains a prophecy against Edom, alluding to their pride and their inability to find refuge from God's judgment.