Numbers 20:18-20
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The Edomites' refusal isn't just a political decision; it's a stark rejection of kinship and a turning point where a plea for peaceful passage escalates into a prelude of conflict. Their immediate threat with the sword reveals a deep-seated hostility, suggesting that the historical rivalry between Jacob and Esau (Israel and Edom) ran deeper than just practicality.
But Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through, lest I come out with the sword against you.” And the people of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway, and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then I will pay for it. Let me only pass through on foot, nothing more.” But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against them with a large army and with a strong force.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites, now at Kadesh, sought permission to travel through the land of Edom, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful passage and offering to pay for any water consumed. However, the Edomites, descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), aggressively refused passage, threatening military action if the Israelites attempted to enter their territory. This hostile refusal marked the beginning of a long-standing animosity between the two nations.
Imagine a family reunion where one sibling slams the door in your face. That's the vibe here. Israel, 'thy brother Israel' as Moses called them, asked for passage, but Edom, descendants of Esau, Israel's twin brother, responded with threats.
A Plea for Peace
Israel's request was polite and specific:
This wasn't a demand for conquest, but a simple request for transit, acknowledging their shared heritage.
Edom's Harsh Reply
Edom's response was immediate and aggressive: "You shall not pass through, lest I come out with the sword against you.” This wasn't just a 'no,' it was a declaration of war. They chose suspicion and hostility over kinship and compassion.
Israel wasn't just wandering aimlessly. Their journey was guided by God Himself, described in ways that point to a divine presence. Edom's rejection wasn't just of people, but of God's orchestrating hand.
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God's Presence in the Exodus
While the verse focuses on Edom's refusal, the broader context reveals God's active involvement. Moses tells the Edomites, "We cried to the Lord, and he heard our voice, and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt."
Edom's 'no' was a rejection of the very God who had delivered Israel from slavery.
Understand the original words
Edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
The descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob; they represent a brother-nation to Israel that maintained a stance of hostility and refusal toward God’s people during their wilderness journey.
chereb · Hebrew Noun
A tool of war, often symbolizing judgment, conflict, and the exertion of human or divine power in the face of perceived threats or iniquity.
Yisra’el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant community, the physical and spiritual descendants of Jacob, whom God chose to be His people for the sake of His redemptive purposes in the world.
This refusal by Edom, descendants of Esau, demonstrates a deep-seated animosity rooted in the past conflict between Jacob and Esau, and highlights God's guidance in directing His people even when human paths are blocked.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites are miraculously delivered from Egypt under Moses' leadership, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Wilderness of Zin
Having completed their 40 years of wandering, the Israelites arrive at the border of Edom, near the oasis of Kadesh.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Sends Messengers to Edom
Moses, on behalf of Israel, sends diplomatic requests to the king of Edom seeking peaceful passage through their territory.
c. 1406 BC
Edom Refuses Passage
The king of Edom vehemently denies the request, threatening military action if the Israelites attempt to pass through.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Diverts Course
Unable to pass through Edom, the Israelites are forced to turn away, a decision that leads them towards Mount Hor.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Aaron
At Mount Hor, as a consequence of their journey and earlier rebellion at Meribah, Aaron the high priest dies.
This passage shows a similar request for passage through another nation's land, highlighting the recurring theme of diplomatic requests being denied in the ancient Near East.
Deuteronomy 2:1-8This passage describes the same event from a different perspective, explaining God's command for Israel to go around Edom's territory, rather than forcing their way through.
Obadiah 1:10-14This prophetic judgment against Edom directly references their mistreatment of Israel, specifically their refusal to allow passage and their hostile actions, showing the severe consequences of their actions.
Psalm 135:11This psalm echoes the historical conquest of lands by Israel, including that of Sihon and Og (kings whom Israel defeated after being denied passage), underscoring the divine sanction behind Israel's movements, even when met with opposition.
gillNumbers 20:18: "And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword."
And Edom said unto him,.... The king of Edom replied to Israel, represented by the messengers sent in their name: thou shall not pass by me; through my country: lest I come out against thee with the sword; or with those that use the sword, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; that is, with an army of soldiers with their drawn swords in their hands, to slay them as enemies.
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…
The Edomites' refusal isn't just a political decision; it's a stark rejection of kinship and a turning point where a plea for peaceful passage escalates into a prelude of conflict. Their immediate threat with the sword reveals a deep-seated hostility, suggesting that the historical rivalry between Jacob and Esau (Israel and Edom) ran deeper than just practicality.
After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites, now at Kadesh, sought permission to travel through the land of Edom, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful passage and offering to pay for any water consumed. However, the Edomites, descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), aggressively refused passage, threatening military action if the Israelites attempted to enter their territory. This hostile refusal marked the beginning of a long-standing animosity between the two nations.
After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites, now at Kadesh, sought permission to travel through the land of Edom, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful passage and offering to pay for any water consumed. However, the Edomites, descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), aggressively refused passage, threatening military action if the Israelites attempted to enter their territory. This hostile refusal marked the beginning of a long-standing animosity between the two nations.
"But Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through, lest I come out with the sword against you.” And the people of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway, and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then I will pay for it.…" — The Edomites' refusal isn't just a political decision; it's a stark rejection of kinship and a turning point where a plea for peaceful passage escalates into a prelude of conflict. Their immediate th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
