The journey of the Israelites through the desert, following their miraculous exodus from Egypt, is a significant narrative in the Old Testament. This period, marked by divine guidance and provision, also involved numerous challenges, including obstructions by surrounding nations. These encounters are recorded primarily in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The Edomites

One of the first obstructions faced by the Israelites was from the Edomites. As descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, the Edomites were kin to the Israelites. Despite this familial connection, the Edomites refused passage through their land. In Numbers 20:14-21, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, requesting permission to pass through their territory, promising not to drink from their wells or take anything from their fields. However, Edom's king denied the request and came out against Israel with a large army, forcing the Israelites to take a longer route around Edom.

The Moabites and Ammonites

The Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, also posed challenges. While the Israelites were instructed not to harass or provoke these nations (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19), the Moabites, under King Balak, sought to curse Israel. Balak hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, but God intervened, turning the intended curses into blessings (Numbers 22-24). The Moabites and Midianites later enticed the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to divine judgment (Numbers 25).

The Amorites

The Amorites, under King Sihon, actively opposed Israel's passage. When Israel requested safe passage through Amorite territory, Sihon not only refused but also mobilized his army against them. The Israelites, under God's command, defeated Sihon and took possession of his land (Numbers 21:21-31; Deuteronomy 2:24-37). This victory was significant as it marked the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region.

The Bashanites

Following their victory over the Amorites, the Israelites faced Og, king of Bashan. Like Sihon, Og opposed Israel's advance. The Lord assured Moses of victory, and the Israelites defeated Og and his forces, taking possession of his land as well (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11).

The Canaanites

The Canaanites, particularly those in the southern region, also obstructed Israel's journey. Arad, a Canaanite king, attacked the Israelites, capturing some of them. In response, Israel vowed to the Lord to destroy the Canaanite cities if He granted them victory. God heeded their plea, and the Israelites defeated the Canaanites, dedicating their cities to destruction (Numbers 21:1-3).

Divine Guidance and Protection

Throughout these encounters, the Israelites experienced God's guidance and protection. The Lord's presence was manifested in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). Despite the opposition from surrounding nations, God remained faithful to His covenant promises, leading His people toward the Promised Land.

Lessons and Theological Insights

The obstructions faced by Israel during their desert journey highlight several theological themes. These include the sovereignty of God over nations, His faithfulness to His promises, and the importance of obedience and trust in divine guidance. The narrative also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of relying on God's strength in the face of opposition. The Israelites' experiences serve as a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people and His ultimate plan of redemption.Exodus 17:8
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 20:21
Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: why Israel turned away from him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day ... supplies of water furnished
to the Israelites in their journey through the Arabian desert to the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... two or three of them in a day's journey.**. ... been introduced into the Biblical around
text through a misconception ... tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... in adoration before the infant Jesus on his journey to Egypt ... order of the race, the
King of Israel, the Messiah. ... and the actualization in him and through him of ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... for, seeing the power of God shining in upon their souls through the dispensations
of ... by Divine command from his own country and kindred on a journey worthy of ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

part ii
... If separate individuals and nations lived in accordance with ... and bodiless powers,
and especially through Her own ... murmuring Hebrew people in the desert at Moses ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Negev in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Hagar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Desert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus