Judges 11:17
New International Version
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Give us permission to go through your country,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They sent also to the king of Moab, and he refused. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.

New Living Translation
they sent messengers to the king of Edom asking for permission to pass through his land. But their request was denied. Then they asked the king of Moab for similar permission, but he wouldn’t let them pass through either. So the people of Israel stayed in Kadesh.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, “Please let me pass through your land.” But the king of Edom would not heed. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained in Kadesh.

New American Standard Bible
then Israel 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 also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.

NASB 1995
then Israel 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 also sent to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.

NASB 1977
then Israel 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 also sent to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.

Legacy Standard Bible
then Israel 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 also sent to the king of Moab, but he was not willing. So Israel remained at Kadesh.

Amplified Bible
then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, “Please let us pass through your land,” but the king of Edom would not listen. Also they sent word to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.

Christian Standard Bible
Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us travel through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he refused. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us travel through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he refused. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.”

American Standard Version
then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land; but the king of Edom hearkened not. And in like manner he sent unto the king of Moab; but he would not: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

Contemporary English Version
They sent messengers to the king of Edom and said, "Please, let us go through your country." But the king of Edom refused. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he wouldn't let them cross his country either. And so the Israelites stayed at Kadesh.

English Revised Version
then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom hearkened not. And in like manner he sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The people of Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom. They said, 'Please let us go through your country.' But the king of Edom wouldn't listen to them. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab. But he wouldn't allow it, either. So the people of Israel remained at Kadesh.

Good News Translation
Then they sent messengers to the king of Edom to ask permission to go through his land. But the king of Edom would not let them. They also asked the king of Moab, but neither would he let them go through his land. So the Israelites stayed at Kadesh.

International Standard Version
Israel sent a delegation to the king of Edom and asked him, "Please let us pass through your territory." 'But the king of Edom wouldn't listen. So they also sent word to the king of Moab, but he wouldn't consent, either. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ?Please let us pass through your land,? but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.

NET Bible
Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, "Please allow us to pass through your land." But the king of Edom rejected the request. Israel sent the same request to the king of Moab, but he was unwilling to cooperate. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.

New Heart English Bible
then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, 'Please let me pass through your land.' But the king of Edom did not listen. In the same way, he sent to the king of Moab; but he would not. So Israel stayed in Kadesh.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken to it. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab; but he would not consent. And Israel abode in Kadesh.

World English Bible
then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let me pass through your land;’ but the king of Edom didn’t listen. In the same way, he sent to the king of Moab, but he refused; so Israel stayed in Kadesh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Israel sends messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Please let me pass over through your land, and the king of Edom did not listen; and [Israel] has also sent to the king of Moab, and he has not been willing; and Israel abides in Kadesh,

Young's Literal Translation
and Israel sendeth messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me pass over, I pray thee, through thy land, and the king of Edom hearkened not; and also unto the king of Moab hath Israel sent, and he hath not been willing; and Israel abideth in Kadesh,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Israel will send messengers to the king of Edom, saying, I will pass through now in thy land: and the king of Edom heard not And also to the king of Moab he sent; and he was not willing. And Israel dwelt in Kadesh.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying: Suffer me to pass through thy land. But he would not condescend to his request. He sent also to the king of Moab, who likewise refused to give him passage. He abode therefore in Cades,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Permit me to pass through your land.’ But he was not willing to agree to his petition. Likewise, he sent to the king of Moab, who also refused to offer him passage. And so he delayed in Kadesh,

New American Bible
Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom saying, “Let me pass through your land.” But the king of Edom did not give consent. They also sent to the king of Moab, but he too was unwilling. So Israel remained in Kadesh.

New Revised Standard Version
Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Let us pass through your land’; but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me 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 stayed in Rakim.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Israel sent Messengers to the King of Adum to say to him, “Let us pass into your land”, and the King of Adum did not listen, also Israel sent to the King of Moab, and he was not persuaded by him, and Israel dwelt in Raqem
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying: Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land; but the king of Edom hearkened not. And in like manner he sent unto the king of Moab; but he would not; and Israel abode in Kadesh.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, I will pass, if it please thee, by thy land: and the king of Edom complied not: and Israel also sent to the king of Moab, and he did not consent; and Israel sojourned in Cades.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jephthah Delivers Israel
16But when Israel came up out of Egypt, they traveled through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. 17Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. 18Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.…

Cross References
Numbers 20:14-21
From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. ...

Deuteronomy 2:4-8
and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. / Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. / You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’” ...

Deuteronomy 2:26-29
So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying, / “Let us pass through your land; we will stay on the main road. We will not turn to the right or to the left. / You can sell us food to eat and water to drink in exchange for silver. Only let us pass through on foot, ...

Numbers 21:21-24
Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, / “Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.” / But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. ...

Deuteronomy 2:9
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:18-19
“Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar. / But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Numbers 21:4
Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey

Deuteronomy 23:3-4
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. / For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.

Psalm 83:6-7
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre.

Amos 1:13
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

James 5:11
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Acts 7:45-46
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, / who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray you, pass through your land: but the king of Edom would not listen thereto. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel stayed in Kadesh.

sent messengers

Numbers 20:14-21
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: …

Deuteronomy 2:4-8,29
And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: …

the king

Deuteronomy 2:9
And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.

abode

Numbers 20:1,16
Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there…

Jump to Previous
Abode Consent Edom Hearken Hearkened Israel Kadesh Manner Messengers Moab Please Thereto Way
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Abode Consent Edom Hearken Hearkened Israel Kadesh Manner Messengers Moab Please Thereto Way
Judges 11
1. The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead
12. The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain
29. Jephthah's vow
32. His conquest of the Ammonites
34. He performs his vow on his daughter.














Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying,
This phrase highlights the diplomatic approach Israel took in dealing with neighboring nations. The Israelites, led by Moses, sought peaceful passage through Edom, a land inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. This request reflects the historical kinship between Israel and Edom, as both nations descended from Isaac. The use of messengers indicates a formal and respectful approach, adhering to ancient Near Eastern customs of diplomacy.

‘Please let us pass through your land,’
The request to pass through Edom was practical, as it provided a direct route to the Promised Land. This plea underscores Israel's reliance on God’s promise and their journey towards Canaan. The request was humble and polite, showing Israel's intention to avoid conflict and respect Edom's sovereignty. This approach is consistent with God's instructions to Israel to avoid conflict with Edom (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).

but the king of Edom would not listen.
Edom's refusal to grant passage reflects the longstanding tension between the two nations, despite their shared ancestry. This decision forced Israel to take a longer, more arduous route. The refusal can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Rebekah about the struggle between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:23). It also foreshadows future hostilities between Israel and Edom.

They also sent messengers to the king of Moab,
Israel's approach to Moab mirrors their strategy with Edom, seeking peaceful passage. Moab, descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, had a complex relationship with Israel. This diplomatic effort shows Israel's consistent desire to avoid unnecessary conflict and adhere to God's guidance. Moab's location was strategic, and cooperation would have facilitated Israel's journey.

but he would not consent.
Moab's refusal, like Edom's, highlights the regional tensions and distrust towards Israel. This denial forced Israel to navigate around Moab, further delaying their journey. Moab's decision is significant, as it sets the stage for future interactions, including the story of Balaam and the eventual conflict with Moabite kings. It also reflects the fulfillment of God's plan, as Israel's detours were part of their divine testing and preparation.

So Israel stayed in Kadesh.
Kadesh was a significant location for Israel, serving as a base during their wilderness wanderings. It was here that key events occurred, such as the sending of the spies into Canaan and the rebellion of the Israelites. Staying in Kadesh represents a period of waiting and testing for Israel, emphasizing their dependence on God's timing and provision. This location also serves as a reminder of past failures and the need for faithfulness to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The collective name for the descendants of Jacob, also known as the Israelites. At this point in their history, they are journeying to the Promised Land.

2. Messengers
Representatives sent by Israel to communicate with the kings of Edom and Moab, seeking permission to pass through their lands.

3. King of Edom
The ruler of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. He refused Israel's request to pass through his territory.

4. King of Moab
The ruler of Moab, a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. He also denied Israel passage through his land.

5. Kadesh
A location where the Israelites stayed during their wilderness journey. It served as a significant encampment site during their wanderings.
Teaching Points
Respect for Boundaries
The Israelites' request to pass through Edom and Moab underscores the importance of respecting national boundaries and seeking peaceful resolutions.

Historical Tensions
The refusal by Edom and Moab highlights longstanding familial and national tensions, reminding us of the complexities in relationships that can span generations.

God's Sovereignty in Obstacles
Despite the refusals, God had a plan for Israel. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty when we face obstacles and closed doors.

Persistence in Faith
Israel's continued journey despite setbacks encourages believers to persist in faith, trusting that God will provide a way forward.

Diplomacy and Communication
The use of messengers illustrates the value of diplomacy and clear communication in resolving conflicts and seeking cooperation.(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 the king of Moab.--This is not recorded in the Pentateuch, but the Israelites did not enter the territory of Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9; Deuteronomy 2:36). The Arnon bounded Moab from the Amorites (Numbers 21:13), and Israel encamped upon its banks.

Abode in Kadesh.--"Many days" (Deuteronomy 2:1). Probably they were encamped at Kadesh during a great part of the forty years (Deuteronomy 2:14). . . .

Verse 17. - Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I Pray thee, pass through thy land (country in A.V. Numbers 20:17). The words in italics are found in Numbers 20:14, 17. And Israel abode in Kadesh. These words are in Numbers 20:1; see also Deuteronomy 1:46. The king of Edom would not hearken. This is related in substance in Numbers 20:18-21. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab. There is no mention of this in the Mosaic narrative. The knowledge of it must have been preserved either by tradition or in some other now lost writings; perhaps in the Book of the Wars of the Lord (Numbers 21:14). It is in itself very probable that such a message should have been sent to the king of Moab, whose territories Israel was forbidden to meddle with (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִ֣ים ׀ (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
מֶלֶךְ֩ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Edom,
אֱד֨וֹם ׀ (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

saying,
לֵאמֹ֜ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Please
נָּ֣א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let us pass
אֶעְבְּרָה־ (’e‘·bə·rāh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

through your land,’
בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָ (ḇə·’ar·ṣe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

but the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Edom
אֱד֔וֹם (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

would not
וְלֹ֤א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

listen.
שָׁמַע֙ (šā·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

They also
וְגַ֨ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

sent
שָׁלַ֖ח (šā·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
מֶ֧לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Moab,
מוֹאָ֛ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

but he refused.
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

So Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

stayed
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Kadesh.
בְּקָדֵֽשׁ׃ (bə·qā·ḏêš)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6946: Kadesh -- 'sacred', a place in the desert


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OT History: Judges 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king (Jd Judg. Jdg)
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