Topical Bible: Edomites: Refuse to the Israelites Passage Through Their Country

◄ Edomites: Refuse to the Israelites Passage Through Their Country ►

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The Edomites, descendants of Esau, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in their interactions with the Israelites. One notable incident is their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their territory during the Exodus journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers and highlights the longstanding tension between the two nations.

Biblical Account

The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were journeying towards Canaan under the leadership of Moses. As they approached the land of Edom, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom with a request for safe passage. The message was diplomatic and respectful, emphasizing the kinship between the Israelites and Edomites, as both were descendants of Isaac. Moses assured the king that the Israelites would not harm the land or consume its resources, stating, "We will not pass through any field or vineyard, nor drink any well water. 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" (Numbers 20:17).

Despite this peaceful request, the Edomite king refused passage and even threatened military action if the Israelites attempted to cross. "But Edom answered, 'You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and confront you with the sword'" (Numbers 20:18). The Israelites reiterated their promise to stay on the main road and offered to pay for any water their livestock might consume. However, Edom remained adamant, mobilizing a large and powerful army to block their path. Consequently, the Israelites were forced to take a longer route around Edom, avoiding conflict.

Historical and Theological Context

The refusal of passage by the Edomites is rooted in the complex and often hostile relationship between the descendants of Esau and Jacob. This animosity can be traced back to the patriarchal narratives in Genesis, where Esau and Jacob, twin brothers, had a contentious relationship marked by rivalry and deception (Genesis 25-27). The Edomites' denial of passage is seen as an extension of this familial discord, reflecting the deep-seated enmity that persisted through generations.

From a theological perspective, the incident underscores themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite the obstacles and opposition faced by the Israelites, God's plan for His chosen people continued to unfold. The refusal by Edom did not thwart God's purpose but rather demonstrated His sovereignty in guiding Israel through adversity.

Prophetic and Later References

The hostility between Edom and Israel is further addressed in prophetic literature. The prophets often condemned Edom for its actions against Israel, predicting divine judgment upon the nation. Obadiah, in particular, prophesied the downfall of Edom due to its violence against Jacob's descendants (Obadiah 1:10-14). This theme of retribution is echoed in other prophetic books, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, where Edom's fate is sealed as a consequence of its enmity towards Israel.

In later biblical history, the Edomites, also known as Idumeans, continued to play a role in the region's geopolitics. During the intertestamental period and the time of the Herodian dynasty, Edomites were integrated into the Jewish state, yet the historical tensions lingered.

The refusal of passage by the Edomites remains a poignant episode in the biblical narrative, illustrating the enduring conflict between these two related nations and serving as a testament to the challenges faced by the Israelites on their journey to the land promised by God.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 20:18-21
And Edom said to him, You shall not pass by me, lest I come out against you with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... a way as to cause God to refuse him the ... refused passage through the land of the Edomites,
their kinsmen, (Num ... There were far too many of the Israelites to hear ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... used by Joshua for the circumcision of the Israelites after the passage of the ... including
lions and leopards, rendered the route through them dangerous. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Amaziah, on his side, had routed the Edomites in the ... the passage in 2 Kings 13:5,
"And the children of ... of the ironworker's art among the Israelites; the smith ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm