Why did Edom refuse passage to Israel in Numbers 20:18? Setting the scene Israel has reached Kadesh on the southern border of Edom after forty years of wilderness wandering. With the Promised Land finally in view, Moses sends messengers requesting permission to follow the King’s Highway through Edomite territory (Numbers 20:14-17). Edom’s blunt reply “Edom answered, ‘You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.’ ” (Numbers 20:18) Key reasons Edom said “No way” • Family resentment still smoldered – Jacob (Israel) had gained Esau’s (Edom’s) birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:36). – Esau “held a grudge against Jacob” from that day forward (Genesis 27:41). • Fear of being overwhelmed – A nation numbering in the hundreds of thousands looked more like an invading army than peaceful travelers (Deuteronomy 2:4; Exodus 15:15). • Protection of scarce resources – Edom’s highlands offered limited water and pasture. Allowing Israel’s herds to pass risked depletion (Numbers 20:19-20). • Prideful opposition to God’s plan – Edom’s refusal fits a long pattern of resisting the Lord’s purposes for His people (Amos 1:11; Ezekiel 35:5). – Obadiah 10-14 later condemns Edom for gloating over Israel’s troubles. God’s verdict on Edom • Though Israel is instructed not to fight Edom (Deuteronomy 2:5), prophets later pronounce judgment for ongoing hostility (Isaiah 34:5-6; Ezekiel 25:12-14). • Edom’s choice illustrates Proverbs 17:13—“Evil will never depart from the house of one who repays good with evil.” Takeaways for today • Old grudges can harden hearts and set families—and nations—against God’s purposes. • Fear of loss often fuels sinful decisions; trusting God’s sovereignty frees us to show hospitality. • Resisting the people of God is ultimately resisting God Himself (Zechariah 2:8). |
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