CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 20:20 But Edom insisted, "You may not pass through." And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/04_Num_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 20:20 - Edom Refuses Passage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Edom insisted, You may not pass through. And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/20-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/20-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/20-19.htm" title="Numbers 20:19">◄</a> Numbers 20:20 <a href="/numbers/20-21.htm" title="Numbers 20:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Again they answered: &#8220You may not pass through.&#8221 Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the king of Edom replied, “Stay out! You may not pass through our land.” With that he mobilized his army and marched out against them with an imposing force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against them with a large army and with a strong force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “You shall not pass through.” So Edom came out against them with many men and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But he said, &#8220You shall not pass through.&#8221 And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against him with a heavy force, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out to meet him with a heavy force and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the king of Edom said, “You shall not pass through [my territory].” And Edom came out against Israel with many people and a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet Edom insisted, “You may not travel through.” And they came out to confront them with a large force of heavily-armed people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet Edom insisted, &#8220You must not travel through.&#8221 And they came out to confront them with a large force of heavily-armed people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Thou shalt not pass through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But the king insisted, "You can't go through our land!" Then Edom sent out its strongest troops <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Thou shalt not pass through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the Edomites said, "You may not pass through." Then they came out and attacked with many well-armed troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Edomites repeated, "We refuse!" and they marched out with a powerful army to attack the people of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But still he replied, "No. You're not to pass through." Then Edom went out to meet Moses with a vast army and a lot of military might.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom insisted, ?You may not pass through.? And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But he said, "You may not pass through." Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "You shall not pass through." Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “You shall not pass through.” Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “You do not pass over”; and Edom comes out to meet him with many people and with a strong hand;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'Thou dost not pass over;' and Edom cometh out to meet him with much people, and with a strong hand;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Thou shalt not pass through. And Edom will come forth to his meeting with a heavy people, and with a strong hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he answered: Thou shalt not pass. And immediately he came forth to meet them with an infinite multitude, and a strong hand, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he answered, “You shall not cross.” And immediately he went out to meet them with a countless multitude and a strong hand;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Edom replied, “You shall not pass through,” and advanced against them with a large and heavily armed force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against them with a large force, heavily armed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Edom said. You shall not pass through. And Edom came out against them with a strong force, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Adum said, “You shall not pass through”, and Adum came out to meet them with a strong people and with a mighty hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'Thou shalt not pass through.' And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Thou shalt not pass through me; and Edom went forth to meet him with a great host, and a mighty hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/20.htm">Edom Refuses Passage</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>“We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/123.htm" title="123: ’ĕ·ḏō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a condiment. Or oedowm; from 'adom; red; Edom, the elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region occupied by him.">But Edom</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">insisted,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“You may not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ṯa·‘ă·ḇōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">pass through.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">And they came out</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to confront the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3515.htm" title="3515: kā·ḇêḏ (Adj-ms) -- Heavy. From kabad; heavy; figuratively in a good sense or in a bad sense.">with a large</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bə·‘am (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">army</a> <a href="/hebrew/2389.htm" title="2389: ḥă·zā·qāh (Adj-fs) -- Strong, stout, mighty. From chazaq; strong.">and a strong</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ū·ḇə·yāḏ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-27.htm">Deuteronomy 2:27-29</a></span><br />“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, / just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir and the Moabites who live in Ar did for us, until we cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD our God is giving us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-17.htm">Judges 11:17-18</a></span><br />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. / Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-6.htm">Psalm 83:6-8</a></span><br />the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. / Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-11.htm">Amos 1:11</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-14</a></span><br />Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-4</a></span><br />“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” / Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a></span><br />Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/36-8.htm">Genesis 36:8</a></span><br />So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-12.htm">Ezekiel 25:12-14</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-6</a></span><br />When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a></span><br />Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-21.htm">Lamentations 4:21-22</a></span><br />So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. / O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a></span><br />When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-52.htm">Luke 9:52-56</a></span><br />He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. / But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem. / When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Matthew 10:14-15</a></span><br />And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. / Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, You shall not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18</a></b></br> And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a></b></br> And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a></b></br> And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.</p><p class="hdg">and Edom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-15</a></b></br> For <i>thy</i> violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/10-27.htm">Army</a> <a href="/numbers/20-14.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/numbers/20-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Large</a> <a href="/numbers/20-18.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/numbers/13-28.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/numbers/14-17.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/21-23.htm">Army</a> <a href="/numbers/20-21.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Large</a> <a href="/numbers/21-33.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-24.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/numbers/23-22.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/numbers/21-24.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/20-1.htm">The children of Israel come to Zin, where Miriam dies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/20-2.htm">They murmur for want of water</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/20-7.htm">Moses smiting the rock, brings forth water at Meribah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/20-14.htm">Moses at Kadesh desires passage through Edom, which is denied him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/20-22.htm">At Mount Hor Aaron resigns his place to Eleazar, and dies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.”</b><br>The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them relatives of the Israelites. Despite this familial connection, Edom refused Israel passage through their land. This refusal highlights the longstanding tension between the two nations, rooted in the sibling rivalry of Esau and Jacob (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>). The Edomites' insistence reflects their fear of the large number of Israelites and a desire to protect their territory. This incident fulfills the prophecy given to Rebekah that two nations would be divided from her womb (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>).<p><b>And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army</b><br>Edom's mobilization of a large army indicates the seriousness with which they viewed the potential threat of Israel's passage. This military response underscores the geopolitical realities of the time, where territorial integrity was fiercely protected. The presence of a large army also suggests that Edom was a formidable power in the region, capable of defending its borders against a significant threat.<p><b>and a strong hand.</b><br>The phrase "a strong hand" implies not only military might but also a firm resolve. This expression is often used in the Bible to denote power and authority, as seen in God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt "with a mighty hand" (<a href="/exodus/6.htm">Exodus 6:1</a>). Here, it emphasizes Edom's determination to enforce their decision, regardless of familial ties. This confrontation serves as a reminder of the challenges Israel faced in their journey to the Promised Land and foreshadows future conflicts with surrounding nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/edom.htm">Edom</a></b><br>A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom is located southeast of Israel, and its refusal to allow Israel passage is a significant event in <a href="/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20</a>.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, who are journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They seek passage through Edom as a more direct route.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who communicates with the king of Edom to request passage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_edom.htm">King of Edom</a></b><br>The ruler of Edom who denies Israel passage through his land, despite their peaceful request.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/k/kadesh.htm">Kadesh</a></b><br>A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped and from where they sent messengers to Edom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ancestral_conflict.htm">The Consequences of Ancestral Conflict</a></b><br>The refusal of Edom to allow Israel passage is rooted in the ancient conflict between Esau and Jacob. This highlights how unresolved family conflicts can have long-lasting consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respecting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Respecting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the refusal, the Israelites are instructed not to engage in conflict with Edom. This teaches us to respect God's sovereignty and His plans, even when faced with obstacles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_peaceful_negotiation.htm">The Importance of Peaceful Negotiation</a></b><br>Moses' approach to Edom was peaceful and respectful, setting an example for how we should handle conflicts and negotiations in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_provision.htm">Trusting God's Provision</a></b><br>Even when denied passage, the Israelites had to trust that God would provide another way. This encourages us to trust in God's provision and guidance when our plans are thwarted.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_edom_denying_israel_passage.htm">Numbers 20:14–21 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting Edom’s refusal to allow Israel passage? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_history_confirm_edom's_lasting_hate.htm">If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom’s “perpetual hatred,” does historical record support such an unbroken hostility? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_aaron's_death_location_differ.htm">Why does Deuteronomy 10:6-7 place Aaron's death at Moserah when Numbers 20:27-28 records it occurred on Mount Hor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/aaron's_123-year_lifespan__scientific_view.htm">Numbers 33:38-39: How does Aaron's death on Mount Hor at 123 years old align with scientific understanding of human lifespans, and why is there no external evidence to confirm his death place?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But Edom</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱדוֹם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·ḏō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_123.htm">Strong's 123: </a> </span><span class="str2">The name of a condiment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">insisted,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“You may not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pass through.”</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲבֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·ḇōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And they came out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to confront [the Israelites]</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָאת֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with a large</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּבֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3515.htm">Strong's 3515: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heavy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">army</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a strong</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲזָקָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·zā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2389.htm">Strong's 2389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong, stout, mighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hand.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְיָ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·yāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/20-20.htm">Numbers 20:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/20-20.htm">OT Law: Numbers 20:20 He said You shall not pass through (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 20:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>