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 sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying,Israel approached Edom through formal diplomacy rather than force. Edom descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother, and the family relationship called for restraint even amid ancient hostility. Moses sought to honor God’s command not to seize Edomite territory. Num 20:14-16 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom,… ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ Israel requested only safe transit, not possession, tribute, or military advantage. The nation was moving toward the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yet its leaders recognized the boundaries God had assigned to other peoples. Num 20:17 Please let us pass through your land. We will not… but the king of Edom would not listen. Edom’s refusal required Israel to take the longer wilderness route around its territory. Though the descendants of Jacob and Esau shared a common ancestry, the conflict foretold before their birth continued to shape their national histories. Num 20:18-20 But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land,… They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, Israel likewise sought a peaceful course with Moab, the people descended from Lot. Moab occupied territory east of the Dead Sea and stood along Israel’s path toward the Jordan Valley. Israel did not seek to provoke Moab or claim land God had given to Lot’s descendants. Num 22:2-6 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done… but he would not consent. Moab’s denial added to the hardships of Israel’s journey, but it did not overturn the Lord’s purpose. Israel was being led by God’s timing, not merely by the shortest available route. Later Moab would oppose Israel through Balak’s attempt to hire Balaam, revealing its fear of the people God had blessed. Deu 23:4 For they did not meet you with food and water… So Israel stayed in Kadesh. Kadesh marked a solemn place in Israel’s wilderness history, associated with unbelief, discipline, and renewed dependence upon God. From there Israel waited, traveled as the Lord directed, and learned that entrance into the promised inheritance would come through obedience and faith. Deu 1:46 For this reason you stayed in Kadesh for a long time… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe collective name for the descendants of Jacob, also known as the Israelites. At this point in their history, they are journeying to the Promised Land. 2. Messengers Representatives sent by Israel to communicate with the kings of Edom and Moab, seeking permission to pass through their lands. 3. King of Edom The ruler of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. He refused Israel's request to pass through his territory. 4. King of Moab The ruler of Moab, a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. He also denied Israel passage through his land. 5. Kadesh A location where the Israelites stayed during their wilderness journey. It served as a significant encampment site during their wanderings. Teaching Points Respect for BoundariesThe Israelites' request to pass through Edom and Moab underscores the importance of respecting national boundaries and seeking peaceful resolutions. Historical Tensions The refusal by Edom and Moab highlights longstanding familial and national tensions, reminding us of the complexities in relationships that can span generations. God's Sovereignty in Obstacles Despite the refusals, God had a plan for Israel. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty when we face obstacles and closed doors. Persistence in Faith Israel's continued journey despite setbacks encourages believers to persist in faith, trusting that God will provide a way forward. Diplomacy and Communication The use of messengers illustrates the value of diplomacy and clear communication in resolving conflicts and seeking cooperation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the refusal of Edom and Moab to allow passage reflect the historical tensions between these nations and Israel? How can understanding these tensions help us in resolving conflicts today?2. In what ways does the Israelites' experience in Kadesh teach us about waiting on God's timing and provision? Can you think of a personal situation where you had to wait on God? 3. How does the account of Israel's journey through hostile territories encourage us to trust in God's guidance when we face obstacles in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Israel's approach to diplomacy and communication with Edom and Moab? How can these lessons be applied in our interactions with others? 5. How do the events in Judges 11:17 connect with God's broader plan for Israel as seen in other parts of the Bible? How does this understanding impact our view of God's plan for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 20:14-21Provides a detailed account of Israel's request to pass through Edom and the subsequent refusal, highlighting the tension between the two nations. Deuteronomy 2:4-9 Offers further insight into God's instructions to Israel regarding their interactions with Edom and Moab, emphasizing respect for their territories. Genesis 36:1-8 Describes the lineage of Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites, providing background on the historical relationship between Israel and Edom.
People Abel, Ammonites, Amorites, Balak, Chemosh, Israelites, Jephthah, Manasseh, Sihon, ZipporPlaces Abel-keramim, Ammon, Arnon, Aroer, Edom, Egypt, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Minnith, Mizpah, Moab, Red Sea, TobTopics Abideth, Abode, Consent, Didn't, Ear, Edom, Hearken, Hearkened, Kadesh, Listen, Manner, Messengers, Moab, Pass, Permission, Please, Refused, Saying, Stayed, Thereto, WillingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 11:13Library Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good?Objection 1: It would seem that a vow need not be always about a better good. A greater good is one that pertains to supererogation. But vows are not only about matters of supererogation, but also about matters of salvation: thus in Baptism men vow to renounce the devil and his pomps, and to keep the faith, as a gloss observes on Ps. 75:12, "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God"; and Jacob vowed (Gn. 28:21) that the Lord should be his God. Now this above all is necessary for salvation. Therefore … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. A Cloud of Witnesses. Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee. Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ Judges Links Judges 11:17 NIVJudges 11:17 NLT Judges 11:17 ESV Judges 11:17 NASB Judges 11:17 KJV Judges 11:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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