CINXE.COM
Numbers 20:18 But Edom answered, "You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword."
<!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 20:18 But Edom answered, "You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/04_Num_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 20:18 - Edom Refuses Passage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Edom answered, You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword." /><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/20-18.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/20-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/20-17.htm" title="Numbers 20:17">◄</a> Numbers 20:18 <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm" title="Numbers 20:19">►</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 />But Edom answered: “You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.”<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 said, “Stay out of my land, or I will meet you with an army!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through, lest I come out with the sword against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through my <i>land,</i> lest I come out against you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, lest I come out with the sword against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, lest I come out to meet you with the sword.”<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 to him, “You shall not pass through my territory, or I will come out against you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom answered him, “You will not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom answered him, “You must not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword."” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But the king of Edom answered, "No, I won't let you go through our country! And if you try, we will attack you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.<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 answered, "You may not pass through our country. If you try, we'll come out and attack you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But the Edomites answered, "We refuse to let you pass through our country! If you try, we will march out and attack you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Edom replied, "You are not to pass through my land. If you do, I'll come out and start a war with you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Edom answered, ?You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Edom said to him, "You will not pass through me, or I will come out against you with the sword."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Edom said to him, "You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Edom said to him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Edom says to him, “You do not pass over through me, lest I come out to meet you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Edom saith unto him, 'Thou dost not pass over through me, lest with sword I come out to meet thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Edom will say to him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest with the sword I shall come out to thy meeting.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Edom answered them: Thou shalt not pass by me: if thou dost I will come out armed against thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Edom responded to them: “You shall not cross through me, otherwise, I will meet you armed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Edom answered him, “You shall not pass through here; if you do, I will advance against you with the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through, or we will come out with the sword against you.”<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 to him, You shall not pass through my border, lest I come out against you with the sword.<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 to him: “You shall not pass through my border lest I come out to meet you with a sword.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Edom said unto him: 'Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Edom said to him, Thou shalt not pass through me, and if otherwise, I will go forth to meet thee in war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/20-18.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=6393" 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">17</span>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.” <span class="reftext">18</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.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></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/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest."></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.">travel</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">through our land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ’ê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">or we will come out</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯe·ḵā (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">and confront you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ba·ḥe·reḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">with the sword.”</a> </span><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.”…<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="/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="/psalms/137-7.htm">Psalm 137:7</a></span><br />Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”<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="/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="/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="/jeremiah/49-7.htm">Jeremiah 49:7-22</a></span><br />Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? / Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. / If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? ...<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/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<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="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18-21</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14-15</a></span><br />The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Edom said to him, You shall not pass by me, lest I come out against you with the sword.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/numbers/16-42.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/12-15.htm">March</a> <a href="/numbers/17-4.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/numbers/19-16.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Try</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/1-42.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/numbers/21-24.htm">However</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">March</a> <a href="/numbers/20-20.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/numbers/21-24.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Try</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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 answered</b><br>Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, had a longstanding enmity with Israel. This response reflects the historical tension between the two nations. The refusal to allow passage is rooted in this ancient rivalry, highlighting the ongoing fulfillment of the prophecy given to Rebekah in <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>, where two nations would be divided.<p><b>“You may not travel through our land</b><br>Edom's land was strategically located, and allowing Israel passage would have been a significant gesture of goodwill. The King's Highway, a major trade route, ran through Edom, and denying access forced Israel to take a longer, more arduous route. This refusal underscores Edom's hostility and lack of hospitality, contrasting with the expected kinship between the two nations.<p><b>or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”</b><br>This threat of military action indicates Edom's readiness to defend its territory aggressively. The sword symbolizes conflict and war, emphasizing the seriousness of Edom's refusal. This confrontation foreshadows future conflicts between Israel and Edom, as seen in <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">2 Samuel 8:13-14</a>, where David subdues Edom. The imagery of the sword also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people, pointing to the ultimate victory through Christ, who is often symbolized as the Word, sharper than any two-edged sword (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>).<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. The Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, despite their shared ancestry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, who were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this point, they were seeking passage through Edom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for negotiating with Edom for safe passage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/kadesh.htm">Kadesh</a></b><br>The location where the Israelites were encamped when they requested passage through Edom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sword.htm">The Sword</a></b><br>Represents the threat of military confrontation from Edom if Israel attempted to pass through their territory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_boundaries.htm">Respect for Boundaries</a></b><br>The Israelites' request and Edom's refusal highlight the importance of respecting national and personal boundaries. In our lives, we should seek peaceful resolutions and respect others' limits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_ancestral_conflict.htm">Consequences of Ancestral Conflict</a></b><br>The animosity between Edom and Israel serves as a reminder of how unresolved family conflicts can have long-lasting effects. We should strive for reconciliation and peace within our families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_plan.htm">Trusting God's Plan</a></b><br>Despite the refusal from Edom, God had a plan for Israel's journey. When faced with obstacles, we should trust in God's provision and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_rejection.htm">Responding to Rejection</a></b><br>The Israelites faced rejection from Edom, yet they continued their journey. In our lives, we should learn to handle rejection with grace and perseverance, trusting that God will open another path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Edom's threat of the sword shows the power of words to incite fear and conflict. We should be mindful of our words and use them to build up rather than tear down.<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/what_prompted_god's_judgment_on_edom.htm">What prompted God's judgment on Edom?</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_num_18_20-24_conflict_on_levite_land.htm">Does the inheritance prohibition in Numbers 18:20-24 conflict with other passages that suggest Levites owned cities or land, indicating a possible textual inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_possible_for_a_man_to_rob_god.htm">What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Edom said... Thou</span> <span class="cmt_word">shalt not pass by me.</span> This was the first of a series of hostile acts, prompted by vindictive jealousy, which brought down the wrath of God upon Edom (compare the prophecy of Obadiah). See, however, on Deuteronomy 2:29. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/20-18.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">אֱד֔וֹם</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">answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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">לֹ֥א</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">travel</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲבֹ֖ר</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">through our land,</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or we will come out</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵצֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common 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">and confront</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָאתֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second 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">you with the sword.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֶ֖רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥe·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/20-18.htm">Numbers 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/20-18.htm">OT Law: Numbers 20:18 Edom said to him You shall not (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 20:19" /></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>