The Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, hold a significant place in biblical history. Their interactions with the Israelites, particularly during the Exodus, are marked by tension and hostility. One of the most notable incidents is their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their territory as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Account

The event is detailed in Numbers 20:14-21. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, they sought a direct route through Edom. Moses, the leader of the Israelites, sent messengers to the king of Edom with a respectful request: "Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard, nor will we 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" (Numbers 20:17).

Despite the peaceful nature of the request, the Edomites responded with a firm refusal. The king of Edom replied, "You may not pass through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword" (Numbers 20:18). The Israelites reiterated their promise not to disturb the land or its resources, but the Edomites reinforced their denial with a show of military strength, compelling Israel to take a longer, more arduous route around Edom.

Historical and Theological Context

The refusal of passage by the Edomites is significant for several reasons. Historically, it underscores the longstanding enmity between the descendants of Esau and Jacob. This animosity is rooted in the familial conflict between Esau and Jacob, which is chronicled in Genesis. The Edomites' refusal is seen as a continuation of this ancient rivalry.

Theologically, the incident is often interpreted as a test of faith and patience for the Israelites. It highlights the challenges faced by God's chosen people and their reliance on divine guidance rather than human alliances. The refusal also serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises, as the Israelites eventually reached the Promised Land despite the obstacles.

Prophetic and Later References

The relationship between Israel and Edom continued to be fraught with conflict throughout biblical history. Prophets such as Obadiah and Isaiah prophesied against Edom, condemning their actions and foretelling their downfall. Obadiah 1:10 states, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever" .

In later biblical narratives, Edom is often portrayed as an adversary of Israel. The refusal of passage is emblematic of the broader theme of opposition faced by God's people, serving as a backdrop for the unfolding account of Israel's journey and God's faithfulness to His covenant.

Cultural and Geographical Significance

Edom was located to the southeast of Israel, in a region characterized by rugged terrain and strategic trade routes. The King's Highway, mentioned in the biblical account, was a major north-south trade route that connected the region. Control over this route was economically and militarily advantageous, which may have contributed to Edom's reluctance to allow passage.

The Edomites' decision to deny passage reflects the geopolitical realities of the time, where territorial control and security were paramount. This incident is a vivid illustration of the complex interplay between divine providence and human agency in the biblical narrative.Numbers 20:21
Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: why Israel turned away from him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 11:17
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... When they were refused passage through the land of the Edomites, their kinsmen ... The
overcoming of this strong and ancient people brought Israel into contact ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... ISRAEL'S TRIAL OF GOD. 18. ... They were setting out to go around the land of the Edomites,
who refused them a passage through their country, when they began ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

The Israelites
... In the fastness of 'Ain Qadis the forces of Israel grew and matured, and a long
series of legislative ... The Edomites refused them a passage along the high-road ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Several generations had to pass before the Edomites were called ... It was a king who
refused a passage through ... to the time when Saul was elected king over Israel. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... as those which were to guide Israel, or exhorted ... his chief city, and reduced the
Edomites to tribute ... much to attempt his deliverance, though he refused to share ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... if all the Gentiles had been refused admittance into it ... Deuteronomy 23:1-8, where
the Edomites and Egyptians ... this reason the phrases "sons of Israel" and "sons ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... thou shalt smite Syria but thrice."* Amaziah, on his side, had routed the Edomites
in the ... the passage in 2 Kings 13:5, "And the children of Israel dwelt in ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... They were very obstinate and refused to amend their lives. ... and came into Egypt with
the children of Israel. ... long after his death by Edomites, the descendants ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... used by Joshua for the circumcision of the Israelites after the passage of the ... the
inhabitants of which had either risen against him or had refused to do him ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... associated with it in another passage of the ... offered no resistance, but nevertheless
refused to acknowledge ... of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.org

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