Topical Bible: Ambassadors: Sent by Moses to Edom

◄ Ambassadors: Sent by Moses to Edom ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of ambassadors is significant as they serve as official representatives sent to negotiate and communicate on behalf of their leaders. One notable instance of such diplomatic engagement is found in the account of Moses sending ambassadors to the king of Edom. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers and highlights the importance of diplomacy and peaceful negotiation in the journey of the Israelites.

Biblical Context

The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were on their journey to the Promised Land. As they approached the territory of Edom, they faced the challenge of needing to pass through the land to continue their journey. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were related to the Israelites, who descended from Jacob, Esau's brother. Despite this kinship, the relationship between the two nations was complex and often fraught with tension.

Scriptural Account

In Numbers 20:14-21 , the account of Moses sending ambassadors to Edom is detailed:

"Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying, 'This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, but when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now we are at Kadesh, a city on the border of your territory. Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard, nor will we 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.'"

The request was straightforward and respectful, emphasizing the shared ancestry and the intention to avoid any disruption or harm to Edom's land. However, the response from Edom was one of refusal and hostility:

"But Edom answered, 'You may not pass through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.'"

Despite further entreaties, Edom remained adamant, and the Israelites were forced to take a longer route around Edom.

Theological Implications

This episode underscores several theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the sovereignty of God in guiding His people, even when human negotiations fail. The Israelites' reliance on God is evident as they seek His guidance and protection in their journey. Secondly, it reflects the reality of human conflict and the challenges of diplomacy, even among related nations. The refusal of Edom serves as a reminder of the persistent enmity that can exist due to historical grievances and mistrust.

Lessons in Diplomacy

From a practical standpoint, the account of Moses sending ambassadors to Edom illustrates the importance of diplomacy and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions. Moses' approach was one of humility and respect, seeking permission rather than assuming rights. This serves as a model for how believers are called to engage with others, emphasizing peace and respect even in the face of rejection.

In summary, the sending of ambassadors by Moses to Edom is a significant event that reveals the complexities of human relationships, the challenges of diplomacy, and the overarching providence of God in the journey of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 20:14
And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, Thus said your brother Israel, You know all the travail that has befallen us:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

There Followed the Revolt of Those, Who, with Dathan and Abiron as ...
... Moses, then, moving away from that place, as he was preparing to lead his company
along by the borders of Edom, sent ambassadors to the king to beg liberty to ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxi there followed the.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... At all events the Israelitish ambassadors were grossly insulted ... Mesha, the son of
Chemosh-melech, sent each year ... passage through his dominions to Moses and his ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... being, we see, obliged to be confined to the law of Moses, or to ... In this decree of
the Roman senate, it seems that these ambassadors were sent from the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... Apostles are considered as the immediate ambassadors of Christ ... We have sent therefore
Judas and Silas, who shall ... the Gentiles from the law of Moses, and points ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... of my lordship, I caused to be brought after me, and he sent his ambassadors, to
give ... Moses was the great hero; yet his grandeur was not able to extinguish ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... When Christ sent out his apostles, he gave them ... must not be like those outlandish
ambassadors that cannot ... afraid to speak against my servant Moses?' (Numbers 12 ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 24:7 to a writing in which Moses is said ... in his help now gave him up, and ambassadors
flocked in ... of Tyre, moreover, and Eezin of Damascus sent their greetings ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... An invader starting from Egypt or Asia Minor, even if he succeeded in overthrowing
the forces sent out to meet him, had still a long way to go before he could ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm