This passage highlights Israel's incredible restraint: despite having the power to take what they needed, they humbly asked permission to pass through Edom and Moab, and when refused, they simply waited peacefully in Kadesh. This wasn't a sign of weakness, but a deliberate choice to honor boundaries and seek God's way, even when faced with uncooperative neighbors.
Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jephthah, now leading Israel, recounts their history to the Ammonite king to justify their presence in the land. This verse describes how, on their journey from Egypt, Israel sought peaceful passage through the lands of Edom and Moab. Both kings refused, forcing the Israelites to detour and eventually settle at Kadesh while they sought another route.
Imagine needing to get somewhere vital, but a neighbor blocks your only road. That's the situation Israel found itself in, not once, but twice.
When the Israelites were traveling, they didn't just barge through other people's lands. They were commanded by God to seek permission from the nations they encountered.
Respecting Boundaries
This wasn't just politeness; it was a divine instruction. Even though God had promised them the land, they were to enter it justly and with respect for those already living there. They specifically asked the kings of Edom and Moab for permission to pass through, promising not to cause any harm and to pay for any provisions they needed.
The Unyielding Kings
Sadly, both kings refused. This refusal wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it was a direct challenge to Israel's journey and a rejection of their respectful approach. It highlights that even when you act with integrity and seek peaceful solutions, you might still face opposition.
What do you do when your well-laid plans hit a dead end, not just once, but twice?
The repeated rejection by the kings of Edom and Moab forced Israel into a period of waiting and reassessment. They ended up 'abiding in Kadesh,' a place that became significant for them.
The Necessity of Patience
This wasn't a punishment, but an opportunity. Instead of forcing their way, they waited. This waiting period was crucial. It likely involved seeking God's direction, understanding the next steps, and relying on His timing rather than their own strength or frustration.
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Divine Providence in Detours
Sometimes, the paths God sets before us involve unexpected detours and delays. The refusal of passage wasn't the end of their journey; it simply meant they had to find another way. Their ability to 'abide in Kadesh' peacefully, rather than retaliating, shows a remarkable restraint and trust in God's ultimate plan, even when it wasn't immediately clear.
Understand the original words
mal'ak · Hebrew Noun
A person sent by a superior (or God) to deliver a message or perform a mission. It signifies someone acting under authority, particularly in diplomatic or divine contexts.
Edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
The descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. They were a nation related to Israel by blood, with whom the Israelites were commanded not to contend due to their kinship.
Moab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A nation descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham. Like Edom, they were historically related to the Israelites and often acted as adversaries or distinct neighbors to God's people.
This passage highlights Israel's persistent, peaceful attempts to navigate towards the Promised Land, even when met with hostility from neighboring kingdoms. It underscores their respect for established borders and their reliance on God's guidance when faced with diplomatic setbacks.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites began their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, a period marked by challenges, divine provision, and continued attempts to find a safe passage to Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Denied Passage by Edom
The Israelites requested passage through Edom's land on their way to Canaan but were refused by the king, forcing them to take a longer route.
c. 1400 BC
Denial of Passage by Moab
Similar to Edom, the king of Moab also refused the Israelites passage through his territory.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israelites Encamp at Kadesh
After being denied passage by Edom and Moab, the Israelites encamped at Kadesh for an extended period.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Amorite Kingdom
Later, the Israelites defeated the Amorite king Sihon, who had seized territory from Moab, and took possession of the land east of the Jordan River.
This passage directly recounts Israel's humble request for passage through Edom's land and Edom's hostile refusal, mirroring the situation Jephthah references in Judges.
Deuteronomy 2:1-8This passage describes Israel's journey around Edom and Moab, emphasizing that God instructed them not to fight these nations, highlighting their obedience to divine guidance despite the rejections.
Numbers 21:10-20This passage details Israel's journey after being denied passage by Edom and Moab, showing their eventual movement through the territory of the Amorites and their continued reliance on God's provision.
Deuteronomy 2:26-29This passage shows Israel making a similar request for passage to Sihon, king of the Amorites, after being denied by Edom and Moab, illustrating a pattern of seeking peaceful passage before engaging in conflict.
gillJudges 11:17: "Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh."
Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom,.... The history of which may be read in Numbers 20:14 , &c. saying, let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land; the land of Edom, from the south to the north of it, according…
ellicottJudges 11:17: "Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh."
(17) Unto the king of Edom. —As narrated in Numbers 20:14 , seq. Even if Jephthah had no written documents before him to which he could refer, the events which he recounts were not so distant as to have been forgotten. Unto th…
This passage highlights Israel's incredible restraint: despite having the power to take what they needed, they humbly asked permission to pass through Edom and Moab, and when refused, they simply waited peacefully in Kadesh. This wasn't a sign of weakness, but a deliberate choice to honor boundaries and seek God's way, even when faced with uncooperative neighbors.
Jephthah, now leading Israel, recounts their history to the Ammonite king to justify their presence in the land. This verse describes how, on their journey from Egypt, Israel sought peaceful passage through the lands of Edom and Moab. Both kings refused, forcing the Israelites to detour and eventually settle at Kadesh while they sought another route.
Jephthah, now leading Israel, recounts their history to the Ammonite king to justify their presence in the land. This verse describes how, on their journey from Egypt, Israel sought peaceful passage through the lands of Edom and Moab. Both kings refused, forcing the Israelites to detour and eventually settle at Kadesh while they sought another route.
"Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh." — This passage highlights Israel's incredible restraint: despite having the power to take what they needed, they humbly asked permission to pass through Edom and Moab, and when refused, they simply wai…
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Last reviewed October 2026
