Números 20
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 20
Wiersbe - The people began to complain again, for Egypt was still in their hearts. In the will of God, no place is an “evil place”; but when your inner desires are not spiritual, no place is a good place—except Egypt! (WWBC) Numbers 20:5 "Why have you made us come up from Egypt, to bring us in to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink." this wretched: Nu 16:14 De 8:15 Ne 9:21 Jer 2:2,6 Eze 20:36 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Nu 11:4-6+ The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, 6 but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” Numbers 16:13-14+ “Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to have us die in the wilderness, but you would also lord it over us? “Indeed, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor have you given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!” FROM "WONDERFUL" EGYPT TO A WRETCHED WILDERNESS Why have you made us come up from Egypt, to bring us in to this wretched place? - They are not seeking information. Clearly this is another rhetorical reproach! Wretched (ra) means bad, evil, and basically conveys the sense of that which is opposite of "good." The Septuagint translates with poneros which describes evil that actively opposes what is good, not just bad in character, but bad in effect (injurious). THOUGHT - The tragedy is that Yahweh was able to get Israel out of Egypt in one night, but unable to get Egypt out of the Israelites even after 40 years! Before we chuckle and point our finger at Israel's folly in the OT, we all do well to remember that while we are complete in Christ, we are still prone to wander and complain just like Israel because we have the sinful flesh nature. We are "works in progress." As someone has said, we have all of the Holy Spirit we are ever going to receive. The question now is how much of us does the Holy Spirit have. Are we "tethered" to the godless world system or are we daily fixing our minds on the things above and not on the things of this passing world (Col 3:2+)? As Clyde Woods says 'Israel’s grievance overlooked completely that the “dreadful desert” (Deut 1:19) was not Moses’ desired destination but rather the scene of a generation’s judgment brought on by its own infidelity (14:28–35)." (Leviticus-Numbers) It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink - In short they say it is not a "good" land. And yes, they are correct, but they have conveniently forgotten that the reason they are there and not in the good land is because they obstinately refused to go into Canaan and take the land God had promised. It is amazing when we are in a "wilderness" of our own making, we can forget that our own bad choices have gotten us in the mess! Notice that this is the same complaint Israel made almost some 38 years earlier (cf Nu 16:14+). Some things never changed, especially stubborn hearts controlled by the old sin nature.
Números 20
Wiersbe - It was a conditioned reflex: whenever the Israelites faced a difficulty, they complained about it to Moses and Aaron and wept because they hadn’t stayed in Egypt. Difficulties either bring out the best in people or the worst; they either mature us or make us more childish (James 1:2–8+). Israel’s words and attitudes revealed clearly that their hearts were still in Egypt. What a picture of the professed Christian who still loves the world (1 John 2:15–17+) and turns to the world for help whenever there’s a problem! (Be Counted) Numbers 20:6 Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them; they fell: Nu 14:5 Nu 16:4,22,45 Ex 17:4 Jos 7:6 1Ch 21:16 Ps 109:3,4 Mt 26:39 the glory: Nu 12:5 Nu 14:10 Nu 16:19,42 Ex 16:10 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES AND AARON FACE DOWN AND SHEKINAH GLORY APPEARS Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces - This was their familiar intercessory posture (have you ever prayed flat on your face?) REB says “flung themselves on the ground." Moses (sometimes with Aaron) was frequently brought to falling on his face in consternation with the congregation (see Nu 14:5 Nu 16:4,22,45). Surely they knew from past experience that Yahweh would soon show up! The irony is that the wrong people were on their faces! It should have been the contentious rebels who were on their faces, but the had no fear of God (Ro 3:18+). Guzik makes a good point that Moses and Aaron "realized how serious this was. With this contentious attitude, the new generation would be just as unbelieving, as untrusting in God as the old generation was, and they would likewise perish in the wilderness." Wiersbe - Spiritual leaders pay a price as they seek to serve God’s people, but the people usually don’t appreciate it. The same people repeat the same sins and refuse to trust God and obey Him. (Be Counted) Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them - Yahweh showed up in a dazzling display of His presence to the rescue His servants just as He had done in previous rebellions against Moses (see Nu 12:5 Nu 14:10 Nu 16:19,42).
Números 20
Wiersbe - This common heritage should have caused the Edomite leaders to have some sympathy for their brothers. (Be Counted) NET Note - Some modern biblical scholars are convinced, largely through arguments from silence, that there were no unified kingdoms in Edom until the 9th century, and no settlements there before the 12th century, and so the story must be late and largely fabricated. The evidence is beginning to point to the contrary. But the cities and residents of the region would largely be Bedouin, and so leave no real remains. (ED COMMENT: Arguments from silenced are "silenced" by the inspired Word of God! Case settled regarding the king and kingdom of Edom!) Guzik uzik - This was the fifth stage of the Exodus. First, from Egypt to Mount Sinai (Exodus 12:31 to 18:27). Second, the sojourn at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1 to Numbers 10:10). Third, the first approach to the Promised Land, beginning at Mount Sinai, but being aborted at Kadesh with the refusal to enter the Promised Land in faith (Numbers 10:11 to 14:45). Fourth, the 38 years of wandering in the wilderness until the generation of unbelief had died (Numbers 15:1 to Numbers 20:13). Now, fifth, the second and final approach to the Promised Land (Numbers 20:14 to Joshua 2:24). Holman Bible Dictionary - Edom (excerpt) - The area southeast and southwest of the Dead Sea, on opposite sides of the Arabah, was known as Edom in biblical times and was the home of the Edomites. The name “Edom” derives from a Semitic root which means “red” or “ruddy” and characterizes the red sandstone terrain of much of the area in question. Moreover, the Edomite area was largely “wilderness”—semi-desert, not very conducive to agriculture—and many of the inhabitants were semi-nomads. Thus the boundaries of Edom would have been rather ill-defined. Yet not all of Edom was wilderness; the vicinity of present-day Tafileh and Buseireh, east of the Arabah, is fairly well watered, cultivable land, and would have boasted numerous villages during Old Testament times. This would have been the center of Edomite population. Buseireh is situated on the ruins of ancient Bozrah, the capital of Edom. Note that the modern name, “Buseireh,” preserves memory of the ancient one, “Bozrah.” Most of the biblical passages pertaining to Edom refer to this Edomite center east of the Arabah. Isaiah 63:1 , for example, speaks of one that “cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength.” (See also Jeremiah 49:22 ; Amos 1:11-12 ). Yet there are other passages which presuppose that the territory west of the Arabah, south of the Judean hill country and separating Judah from the Gulf of Aqaba, was also part of Edom. See especially the description of Judah's boundary in Numbers 34:3-4 and Joshua 15:1-3 , where Judah's south side is described as extending “even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin.” Certain of the tribal groups which ranged this wilderness area south of Judah are listed in the Edomite genealogy of Genesis 36:1 . In New Testament times, even the southern end of the Judean hill country (south of approximately Hebron) was known officially as Idumea (Edom). The “land of Seir” seems to be synonymous with Edom in some passages (Genesis 32:3 ; Genesis 36:8 ; Judges 5:4 ). Egyptian texts from about 1300 to 1100 B.C. know of Shasu (apparently semi-nomadic tribes) from Seir and Edom. “Teman” also is used in apposition to Edom in at least one biblical passage (Amos 1:12 ), but normally refers to a specific district of Edom and possibly to a town by that name. One of Job's visitors was Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 2:11 ; compare Ezekiel 25:13 ). The Israelites regarded the Edomites as close relatives, even more closely related to them than the Ammonites or Moabites. Specifically, they identified the Ammonites and Moabites as descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, but the Edomites as descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 19:30-36 ; Genesis 36:1 ). Thus Edom occasionally is referred to as a “brother” to Israel (Amos 1:11-12 ). Edomites seem not to have been barred from worship in the Jerusalem Temple with the same strictness as the Ammonites and Moabites (Deuteronomy 23:3-8 ). Yet, as is often the case with personal relations, the closest relative can be a bitter enemy. According to the biblical writers, enmity between Israel and Edom began already with Jacob and Esau (when the former stole the latter's birthright) and was exacerbated at the time of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt (when the Edomites refused the Israelites passage through their land). Be that as it may, much of the conflict also had to do with the fact that Edom was a constant threat to Judah's frontier, and moreover blocked Judean access to the Gulf of Aqaba. John Bennett - THOU SHALT NOT PASS Have you come across a ‘no entry’ sign recently? The enforced detour around the land of Edom must have been a sore burden to the weary Israelites. Perhaps they did not expect such a flat refusal. After all, was Edom not related to Israel? Edom was Esau, Jacob’s brother, Gen. 36:1, and Moses addresses the king of Edom in this way. But even an appeal to natural relationship falls on deaf ears, v. 18. Not only was this attitude unnatural, it was unreasonable. Moses offered to pay for all they consumed en route, v. 19. In natural terms it would have been a tremendous boost for Edom’s economy! Why was Edom so implacably opposed to Israel? For the answer to this question we must go back to Genesis. Esau and Jacob represented two types of humanity. Esau represented what was natural. He was a ‘man of the field’. He valued earthly things and held spiritual things with a light hand. Jacob, for all his faults, was a spiritual man. His methods left much to be desired, but he truly valued God’s inheritance. He was, of course, the second man who would displace the first, Gen. 25:23. It is clear that Edom knew of Israel’s bondage and suffering in Egypt, vv. 14–16. Is it possible that they had secretly rejoiced and, perhaps, felt that now the inheritance would be theirs instead? Thus, faced with a re-born nation seeking to fulfil the purpose of God, Edom is determined to impede the progress of Israel. This teaches us the lesson that the natural man can have no sympathy with the purpose of God, because it clearly teaches his own judgement and demise. We should compare this section with chapter 21 verses 21–25. In the latter passage a similar situation arose. The response, however, was different. Here, God told them simply to by-pass the area; in chapter 21, God told them to fight. Similar situations may require different solutions. We need to be cast on God for wisdom every hour—regardless of how familiar situations may feel. Applying the same remedy may not be the will of God. Ridley Pearson - “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”—18:19. Interpretation.—Quite opposite versions of this proverb are given. But our own Authorized Version is in accordance with the text of the original. Dissensions between brethren are the most hard to be composed. The allusion in the previous saying (ver. 18) to the ceasing of contentions, may have suggested a case in which it is too often impossible to make them cease. Illustrations.—The implacable nature of quarrels between brothers is seen in the cases of Cain with Abel, Joseph’s brethren with himself, Esau with Jacob, Absalom with Amnon, where nothing short of death was resolved and plotted. How hard to be won was Esau; how long did his “strong city” hold out! and though himself conciliated, was not the enmity perpetuated between the descendants of the two brothers from generation to generation (Numb. 20:14–21; Ezek. 35:5; Obad. 10–14)? Grace, however, will triumph, as where the “sharp contention” which for a while separated two brother Apostles, was completely and finally healed (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11). Application.—Experience confirms and history attests the truth of this saying. No quarrels are (proverbially) so difficult to heal as family quarrels, no feuds so irreconcilable as those between brothers, when they have reached a head. The proverb is true also in a measure of those who have been close friends, and even of members of the same fraternity. As “blood is thicker than water,” as the love implanted by nature is of the strongest, so when that natural affection gives place to enmity, there are no bounds to its vehemence. Again, as “the sweeter the wine the sharper the vinegar,” so closest friendship has often turned to deadliest hatred. The “odium theologicum,” which finds its counterpart in other professions, has its root in the overweening value naturally attached by men to their own opinions on matters they are specially conversant with and have very much at heart. In all such cases, a breach is the more deeply to be lamented, inasmuch as unity would have been a widespread blessing. I must as a brother not take liberties, not expect too much, and “leave off contention” betimes (17:14). It is generally best for brothers, however attached, not to become closely associated in business matters, unless as men of business. Friends who are not related should remember that intimacy, when it degenerates into undue familiarity, is perilously near a turning-point. From professional’ quarrels (alas! even over the sacrament of love!) largeness of heart is the alone preservative. For my part, let me have but one enemy—the devil, with him never be reconciled, with my brother never fall out! Related Resources: What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org American Tract Society Edom Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Edom Easton's Bible Dictionary Edom Fausset Bible Dictionary Edom Hitchcock Bible Names Edom Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Edom, Edomites Watson's Theological Dictionary Edom International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Edom; Edomites Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Edom McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Edom The Nuttall Encyclopedia Edom Numbers 20:15 that our fathers went down to Egypt, and we stayed in Egypt a long time, and the Egyptians treated us and our fathers badly. our fathers: Ge 46:6 Ac 7:15 stayed: Ge 15:13 Ex 12:40 treated badly: Nu 11:5 16:13 Ex 1:11-14,16,22 5:14 De 26:6 Ac 7:19 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EGYPTIAN HARDSHIPS ARE DESCRIBED that our fathers went down to Egypt, and we stayed in Egypt a long time (Lit, “many days”), and the Egyptians treated us and our fathers badly - Moses (in my opinion) was not trying to evoke sympathy but was simply giving the true history of Israel's past 400+ years, most of it in bondage. He of course would be hoping to appeal to King of Edom's compassion. NET Noteon badly - The verb רָעַע (ra’a’) means “to act or do evil.” Evil here is in the sense of causing pain or trouble. So the causative stem in our passage means “to treat wickedly.” Numbers 20:16 'But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt; now behold, we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. we cried: Ex 2:23,24 Ex 3:7-9 Ex 6:5 Ex 14:10 sent: Ex 3:2-6 Ex 14:19 Ex 23:20 Ex 33:2 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL CRIED OUT TO JEHOVAH HE BROUGHT THEM OUT But when we cried out (tsaaq) to the LORD, He heard (shama) our voice - In Ex 2:23-24+ Israel sighed and groaned and in Ex 3:7-9+ their cry was heeded by Jehovah Who delivered "them from the power of the Egyptians, and (brought) them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite." But to get to that land flowing with milk and honey by the shortest route, they had to pass through the kingdom of Edom. Wiersbe makes a good point that this is not just a History of Israel lesson - Since God delivered them and was directing them, surely the Edomites would want to cooperate with Jehovah and let their Jewish relatives march through the land. (Be Counted) And sent an angel (malak) and brought us out from Egypt - See Ex 3:2-6+, the "angel" of course was the Angel of the LORD, the preincarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. He brought them out (of Egypt) in order to bring them in (to Canaan). Some suggest the "angel" was Moses, but I think that is unlikely. For angel see also Ex 14:19+ and Ex 23:20+ In short "Without elaborating on the power of Egypt, of which Edom was of course well aware, Moses hastened to impress on Edom the power of Israel’s God. The sending of his “angel” or “messenger” was sufficient to break Egypt’s resistance and to liberate Israel. Moses thus implied that Israel was backed by a strong God and that Edom should think twice before refusing its request" (Merrill CBC-Nu) The King of Edom apparently had no fear of God. Now behold, (hinneh - directs attention to following) we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of (Lit - “your border”) your territory - Surely the King of Edom was aware of this large assembly of over 2 million souls. Kadesh (06946) see notes above on Qadesh Numbers 20:17 'Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or through vineyard; we will not even drink water from a well. We will go along the king's highway, not turning to the right or left, until we pass through your territory.'" Nu 21:1,22-24 De 2:1-4,27,29 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Via Maris in purple on left. King's Highway in red to right of Jerusalem See another map ISRAEL'S APPEAL FOR PASSAGE THRU EDOM Please let us pass through your land - "The request is expressed by the use of the cohortative, “let us pass through.” It is the proper way to seek permission." (NET Note) We will not pass through field or through vineyard; we will not even drink water from a well. We will go along the king's highway (lit. “the road of the king”)), not turning to the right or left, until we pass through your territory - The king's highway was just to the east of Edom running north-south and providing a perfect route for Israel to make their journey north to the plains of Moab where Moses would give the second generation instructions in the book of Deuteronomy. Moses promises that Israel will be as unobtrusive as possible (would not disrupt agriculture, use up resources or go trample on Edom's territory) and would go along the king's highway, which was a wide, well-marked trail that had been flattened so that kings could ride their chariots on it and people could drive wagons along it. (see "highway" on map)(Holman Bible Dictionary article on king's highway) Moses promises the Israelites would not veer off of the King's Highway. NET Note on king's highway - This a main highway running from Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba, along the ridge of the land. Some scholars suggest that the name may have been given by the later Assyrians (see B. Obed, “Observations on Methods of Assyrian Rule in Transjordan after the Palestinian Campaign of Tiglathpileser III,” JNES 29 [1970]: 177–86). Bronze Age fortresses have been discovered along this highway, attesting to its existence in the time of Moses. The original name came from the king who developed the highway, probably as a trading road (see S. Cohen, IDB 3:35–36). (See Another Map on King's Highway) Wikipedia on king's highway - The King’s Highway was a trade route of vital importance in the ancient Near East, connecting Africa with Mesopotamia. It ran from Egypt across the Sinai Peninsula to Aqaba, then turned northward across Transjordan, to Damascus and the Euphrates River. Numbers 20:18 Edom, however, said to him, "You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you." The Edomites were perpetual enemies of the Hebrews and refused them safe passage (cf. Deut. 2:1-8). The enmity went back to the dispute between Jacob and Esau, the father of the Edomites (Gen. 25:30; cf. Num. 24:18; 2 Sam. 8:13, 14; 2 Kin. 8:20-22; 14:7; 2 Chr. 28:17; Ps. 137:7; Jer. 49:7-22; Ezek. 25:12-14; Obad. 10ff.; Mal. 1:2-5). Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FIRST REJECTION BY THE EDOMITES Edom, however, said to him, "You shall not pass through us - Presumably Edom represents the king of Edom (but see note below). "The imperfect tense here has the nuance of prohibition." (NET Note) UBS Handbook has an interesting note - However, there may be some significance that the king of Edom is not referred to explicitly after verse 14. It is as if Edom as an entire people/nation reacts negatively to Israel’s request for safe passage (verses 18–21). or I will come out with the sword against you - This abrupt, in your face refusal leaves no room for negotiation! This is not passive but active aggression and as noted from here on out they were enemies of Israel. Edom, because of her relentless hatred toward Israel, is singled out from the nations as the object of God's fury in Isaiah 34:1-17, 5, 6+. She was to suffer a fate like that of Babylon. Twenty-six centuries of desolation bear witness to the truth of this prophecy (cf. Mal. 1:4+). Comment - There are also indications that Christ will return first to that land of the cursed Edomites (Oba 18; Mal 1:3,4+), then proceed to Jerusalem (compare Isaiah 63:1-4+), all the way treading the terrible "winepress of the wrath of God," wearing a "vesture dipped in blood" (Rev 14:19,20+; Rev 19:13+). Note also Isa 34:6+ which reveals that "the LORD hath...a great slaughter in the land of Idumea." The distance from Bozrah (Isaiah 34:6) to Jerusalem is about 1600 furlongs (Revelation 14:20+). Numbers 20:19 Again, the sons of Israel said to him, "We will go up by the highway, and if I and my livestock do drink any of your water, then I will pay its price. Let me only pass through on my feet, nothing else." De 2:6,28 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SECOND APPEAL FROM ISRAEL Again, the sons of Israel said to him - An honest appeal from the sons of Israel, Moses' messengers. They are not begging or pleading, but trying to reason with the king of Edom assuring him there is nothing to fear. We will go up by the highway - Presumably this refers to the King's Highway (see location in relation to Edom in map above). An idiomatic rendering in English is “We will keep to the beaten track” (NJPSV). And if I and my livestock do drink any of your water, then I will pay its price - Moses uses personal pronouns but clearly it is the entire nation of Israel that is intended. Moses promises just recompense for water. Water was precious in the arid Middle East. Let me only pass through on my feet, nothing else - So he makes a final appeal. Note "nothing else!" No military objectives, no economic threat, etc. NRSV = “It is only a small matter; just let us pass through on foot,” NBJ = “It is only a matter of letting me pass through on foot,” REB = “Ours is a trifling request; we would simply cross your land on foot.” "The Hebrew expressions here are clearly submissive and deferential in tone. These words also seek to downplay the magnitude of this request." (UBS Handbook) Numbers 20:20 But he said, "You shall not pass through." And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand. You shall not pass Nu 20:18 Ge 27:41 32:6 Jud 11:17,20 Ps 120:7 Eze 35:5-11 Am 1:11 And Edom: Ob 1:10-15 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries KING OF EDOM REJECTS APPEAL But he said, "You shall not pass through." - Moses' second appeal provoked even a strong opposition. King of Edom firmly rejects any appeals from Moses. The final verdict is no passage. And Edom came out against him (“to meet him”) with a heavy force and with a strong hand - Edomites back up their words with a show of force to make sure Israel gets the message "Not Welcome! No Trespassing!" Obadiah prophesies that Edom will have a "payday, someday" declaring "For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head." (Obadiah 1:15) NET translates it "Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful force." (Nu 20:20 NET) The Heb literally reads “with many [heavy] people and with a strong hand.” The translation presented above is interpretive, but that is what the line means. It was a show of force, numbers and weapons, to intimidate the Israelites. Numbers 20:21 Thus Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory; so Israel turned away from him. refused: De 2:27,29 wherefore: De 2:4-8 23:7 Jdg 11:18,24 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EDOM'S STEADFAST REFUSAL FOR PASSAGE Thus Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory - Firm refusal to give Israel a "pass." so Israel turned away from him - Israel turned away for the time being, but from this point on in the Bible, Edom is mentioned as Israel’s enemy, and the two nations fought frequently.
Números 20
Wiersbe concludes "Jacob and Esau had met and settled their differences years before (Gen. 32–33), but Esau’s descendants were perpetuating the old family feud. Years later, when Jerusalem was attacked, the Edomites assisted the enemy and even stopped the Jewish fugitives from escaping (the Book of Obadiah; Ps. 137:7). It’s tragic when a family feud is kept alive from generation to generation, poisoning hearts and minds and keeping brothers from helping one another." (Be Counted) Brain Bell - You’ve seen 9-11 bumper stickers “Never Forget”! - This act by the Edomites was never forgotten! Amos 1:11 Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because he pursued his brother with the sword, And cast off all pity; His anger tore perpetually, And he kept his wrath forever. Norman Geisler - How could this verse say that Israel went around Edom when Deuteronomy 2:4 says they passed through it? PROBLEM: God would not allow Israel to do battle with the Edomites because He had given the land of Edom to Esau as an everlasting possession. Numbers 20:21 states that “Israel turned away from him.” However, when Moses reviews these events in Deuteronomy 2:4, he states that the Lord said, “You are about to pass through the territory of your brethren, the descendants of Esau.” Likewise, Deuteronomy 2:8 says Israel “passed beyond our brethren the descendants of Esau.” Did they pass through Edom or did they go around it? SOLUTION: In one sense it can be said that Israel passed through Edom when they entered it in order to make the request to continue their journey along the King’s highway that ran through their land. However, the text never actually says that they did, or that they would pass through the land. Actually, the same Hebrew word (abar) is used in each case. It can be used to mean pass through or pass by. The historical record clearly describes their journey as passing along the eastern border of Edom (Deut. 2:8). God had warned Israel that as they would pass along the eastern border, they should not provoke the Edomites to war (Deut. 2:5). (When Critics Ask) Numbers 20:22 Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor. Kadesh: Nu 20:1,14,16 13:26 33:36,37 Eze 47:19 48:28 Mount Hor: . Nu 21:4 33:37,38 34:7 Numbers 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Mount Hor FROM KADESH TO MOUNT HOR Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor - Since Israel could not go east, they headed south to bypass Edom's land. They would have one small "detour" at Mount Hor.