Numbers 20:14
Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the hardship that we have met:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Moses doesn't just say "we've had a tough time." He uses the word for "weariness" or "exhaustion," highlighting the sheer, bone-deep fatigue of their decades in the wilderness, a suffering he assumes the Edomites are fully aware of. It’s a calculated appeal, leveraging their shared bloodline and the shared knowledge of Israel's suffering to gain favor.
The Israelites, now camped at Kadesh after decades of wandering, need to travel through Edomite territory to reach the Promised Land. Moses sends a diplomatic message to the king of Edom, appealing to their shared ancestry as descendants of brothers Esau and Jacob. He reminds the Edomite king of all the hardships Israel has endured since leaving Egypt, hoping to gain their sympathy and permission to pass through peacefully.
When facing a roadblock, sometimes the best approach is to remember who you're connected to. Israel did just that when they encountered Edom.
The Power of a Shared Ancestry
Moses, in his message to the king of Edom, doesn't just state facts; he appeals to a deep, familial connection. He calls them 'your brother Israel.' Why? Because the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother. This wasn't just a polite formality; it was a strategic move, a reminder of their shared bloodline and the covenantal history between their ancestors, Jacob and Esau.
This appeal highlights a timeless principle: understanding and leveraging existing relationships can open doors. It’s about acknowledging common ground and reminding others of the bonds that can foster cooperation and understanding, even in difficult situations.
Imagine being stuck for decades, facing constant struggles. Israel’s message to Edom wasn't just a request; it was a testament to their long, difficult journey.
Chronicling a Shared Suffering
Moses reminds the king of Edom, 'You know all the hardship that we have met.' This wasn't an exaggeration; it was a factual summary of Israel's arduous journey through the wilderness. For forty years, they had faced scarcity, exhaustion, and constant peril. This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it was 'travel' or 'weariness' in the deepest sense – a profound, soul-testing struggle.
The purpose of this reminder was multi-faceted:
Understand the original words
tela'ah · Hebrew Noun
A state of suffering, difficulty, or distress; used in scripture to describe trials or burdens that test the endurance and faith of God's people.
This request to Edom highlights the deep historical and familial ties between the two nations, stemming from their shared ancestor, Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel). The Israelites appeal to this kinship, reminding the Edomites of their shared history and the immense hardships they have endured, hoping to secure safe passage on their long journey.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are liberated from slavery in Egypt after 400 years, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC
Wilderness Wandering Begins
Following their departure from Egypt, the Israelites begin 40 years of wandering in the desert due to their disobedience.
c. 1406 BC
Arrival at Kadesh
The Israelites arrive at Kadesh, a vital oasis, near the borders of the Promised Land. They will stay here for a significant period.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Request to Pass Through Edom
Moses, leading the Israelites, sends messengers to the king of Edom requesting peaceful passage through their territory to reach the Promised Land from the east.
This verse directly states the prophecy of the relationship between Jacob and Esau, the progenitors of Israel and Edom, highlighting the 'brother' aspect mentioned in Numbers 20:14 and its significance for how Israel appealed to Edom.
Judges 11:17This passage shows Israel making a similar request to the king of Edom (and later Moab) for passage, underscoring the recurring theme of needing permission to traverse lands connected to their ancestral roots.
Deuteronomy 2:4-6This passage provides God's direct command to Israel not to provoke Edom or Moab, nor to take anything from them, which clarifies Moses' diplomatic approach and the rationale behind emphasizing their shared hardship.
Psalm 135:11This psalm recounts the conquest of Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites, which Israel bypassed rather than fought, mirroring the strategic decision in Numbers 20 to seek passage and avoid conflict with Edom.
gillNumbers 20:14: "And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:"
And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom,.... This country was sometimes governed by kings, and sometimes by "dukes", see Genesis 36:14 . At the time of the passage of the Israelites through the Red sea, we read of the dukes of Edom, Exodus 15:15 , and here, thirty nine years after, of a king of Edom, but who he was i…
calvinNumbers 20:14-22: "And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:"
Et clamavimus ad Jehovam, qui exaudivit vocem nostram, et misit angelum qui nos eduxit ex AEgypto. Et ecce, sumus in Cades, urbe in extremitate termini tui.
Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go…
Moses doesn't just say "we've had a tough time." He uses the word for "weariness" or "exhaustion," highlighting the sheer, bone-deep fatigue of their decades in the wilderness, a suffering he assumes the Edomites are fully aware of. It’s a calculated appeal, leveraging their shared bloodline and the shared knowledge of Israel's suffering to gain favor.
The Israelites, now camped at Kadesh after decades of wandering, need to travel through Edomite territory to reach the Promised Land. Moses sends a diplomatic message to the king of Edom, appealing to their shared ancestry as descendants of brothers Esau and Jacob. He reminds the Edomite king of all the hardships Israel has endured since leaving Egypt, hoping to gain their sympathy and permission to pass through peacefully.
The Israelites, now camped at Kadesh after decades of wandering, need to travel through Edomite territory to reach the Promised Land. Moses sends a diplomatic message to the king of Edom, appealing to their shared ancestry as descendants of brothers Esau and Jacob. He reminds the Edomite king of all the hardships Israel has endured since leaving Egypt, hoping to gain their sympathy and permission to pass through peacefully.
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c. 1406 BC
Edom Refuses Passage
The king of Edom, citing potential conflict, firmly denies the Israelites permission to pass through his land, forcing them to find an alternate route.
c. 1406 BC
Journey to Mount Hor
After being denied passage by Edom, the Israelites turn south and eventually travel to Mount Hor, where Aaron will die.
"Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the hardship that we have met:" — Moses doesn't just say "we've had a tough time." He uses the word for "weariness" or "exhaustion," highlighting the sheer, bone-deep fatigue of their decades in the wilderness, a suffering he assumes…
