Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." Please let us pass through your land.This request is made by the Israelites to the Edomites as they journey towards the Promised Land. The land in question is Edom, located south of the Dead Sea. The Edomites are descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them relatives of the Israelites. This familial connection is significant, as it underscores the expectation of hospitality and cooperation. The request reflects a diplomatic approach, seeking peaceful passage rather than conflict. Historically, such requests were common in the ancient Near East, where travel often required permission from local rulers. We will not go through any field or vineyard,
The Israelites assure the Edomites that their passage will not disrupt local agriculture. Fields and vineyards were vital to the economy and sustenance of the region, and trampling them could lead to significant loss. This promise indicates respect for Edomite property and resources, emphasizing the Israelites' intention to avoid any form of exploitation or harm. The mention of fields and vineyards also highlights the agricultural richness of Edom, contrasting with the Israelites' current wilderness experience. or drink water from any well.
Water was a precious resource in the arid regions of the Near East. Wells were often privately owned and essential for survival. By promising not to drink from any wells, the Israelites demonstrate an understanding of the scarcity and value of water. This assurance further emphasizes their intention to pass through without imposing on Edomite resources. The scarcity of water in the wilderness journey of the Israelites is a recurring theme, highlighting their dependence on God's provision. We will stay on the King’s Highway;
The King's Highway was an ancient trade route running from Egypt through the Sinai Peninsula to the northern regions of the Near East. It was a well-established path used for commerce and travel, providing a direct route through Edom. By committing to stay on this highway, the Israelites indicate their desire to take the most efficient and least intrusive path. The King's Highway's historical significance as a major trade route underscores the strategic importance of Edom's location. we will not turn to the right or to the left
This phrase signifies the Israelites' commitment to a straightforward journey without deviation. It implies a promise of discipline and respect for Edomite boundaries, avoiding any unnecessary detours that might lead to conflict or trespass. Biblically, the concept of not turning to the right or left is often associated with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:32 and Joshua 1:7. until we have passed through your territory.
The Israelites' goal is to pass through Edom peacefully and efficiently, without lingering or causing disruption. This reflects their broader mission to reach the Promised Land, a journey guided by divine promise and direction. The emphasis on passing through highlights the transient nature of their request, seeking only temporary access rather than permanent settlement. This passage through Edom is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey, marked by challenges and reliance on God's guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is making the request to pass through Edom. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. 3. EdomThe land inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and the territory the Israelites wish to pass through. 4. King's HighwayAn ancient trade route that the Israelites propose to use for their journey. 5. EdomitesThe people of Edom, who are being asked for permission to allow the Israelites to pass through their land. Teaching Points Respect for Others' BoundariesThe Israelites' request to pass through Edom without disturbing the land teaches us the importance of respecting others' property and boundaries. Peaceful NegotiationThe approach of asking permission rather than assuming rights emphasizes the value of peaceful negotiation and diplomacy in resolving potential conflicts. Trust in God's ProvisionDespite the refusal from Edom, the Israelites had to trust in God's provision and guidance, reminding us to rely on God when faced with obstacles. Historical Context and RelationshipsUnderstanding the historical context between Israel and Edom can help us appreciate the complexities of relationships and the importance of reconciliation and peace. Faithfulness in the JourneyThe commitment to stay on the King's Highway symbolizes faithfulness and determination in following God's path without deviation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical relationship between Israel and Edom influence the events in Numbers 20:17, and what can we learn about handling difficult relationships today? 2. In what ways does the Israelites' request to pass through Edom demonstrate respect and humility, and how can we apply these principles in our interactions with others? 3. How does the refusal of the Edomites to allow passage challenge the Israelites' faith, and what does this teach us about trusting God in the face of closed doors? 4. What are some modern-day "King's Highways" that we are called to stay on, and how can we ensure we remain faithful to God's path without turning to the right or left? 5. How can the principles of peaceful negotiation and respect for others' boundaries be applied in our personal and community relationships today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse speaks of the relationship between Jacob and Esau, the ancestors of Israel and Edom, respectively. It provides background on the historical tension between the two nations. Deuteronomy 2:4-5God instructs the Israelites not to provoke the Edomites, as He has given Mount Seir to Esau's descendants. This highlights the respect and boundaries God set for Israel regarding Edom. Matthew 7:12The Golden Rule, which encourages treating others as one would like to be treated, can be seen in the respectful request made by the Israelites to pass through Edom. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Along, Aside, Border, Borders, Drink, Field, Fields, Highway, High-way, King's, Limits, Pass, Passed, Past, Please, Road, Springs, Territory, Till, Travel, Turn, Turning, Vine-garden, Vineyard, Vineyards, Waters, WellsDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:17 4296 wells
4538 vineyard
5336 highway
5505 roads Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8).
"Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah
'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. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 20:17 NIVNumbers 20:17 NLTNumbers 20:17 ESVNumbers 20:17 NASBNumbers 20:17 KJV
Numbers 20:17 Commentaries
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