But Edom insisted, "You may not pass through." And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. But Edom insistedThe name "Edom" is derived from the Hebrew word "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), meaning "red." This name is associated with Esau, the brother of Jacob, who was described as red and hairy at birth ( Genesis 25:25). The Edomites, descendants of Esau, had a longstanding, complex relationship with the Israelites, descendants of Jacob. Historically, Edom's refusal to allow Israel passage reflects the deep-seated animosity and rivalry between these two nations, rooted in their ancestral conflict. This insistence by Edom highlights the enduring nature of familial and national disputes, reminding us of the importance of reconciliation and peace. You may not pass through
This phrase signifies a direct and firm denial of passage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, allowing passage through one's land was often a gesture of hospitality and alliance. Edom's refusal is not just a denial of passage but a rejection of kinship and cooperation. It underscores the theme of isolation and hostility that can arise from unresolved conflicts. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to believers to seek resolution and peace, rather than allowing bitterness to dictate actions. And they came out to confront the Israelites
The act of coming out to confront indicates a proactive and aggressive stance. The Hebrew root for "confront" suggests a face-to-face encounter, often with hostile intent. This confrontation is emblematic of the spiritual battles believers face, where opposition may arise unexpectedly and with force. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God in times of conflict. with a large army
The mention of a "large army" emphasizes the might and preparedness of Edom. In biblical times, the size of an army was often equated with strength and the ability to intimidate. This display of military power was intended to deter Israel from attempting to force their way through. For the believer, this can symbolize the formidable challenges and obstacles that may appear insurmountable. Yet, it also serves as a reminder that God's power is greater than any earthly force. and a strong hand
The phrase "strong hand" is often used in the Bible to denote power and authority. In this context, it reflects Edom's determination to enforce their decision with strength and resolve. Biblically, the "strong hand" is also associated with God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:9), contrasting human strength with divine intervention. This juxtaposition encourages believers to trust in God's mighty hand, which is capable of delivering and guiding them through life's challenges, even when faced with human opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. EdomA nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom is located southeast of Israel, and its refusal to allow Israel passage is a significant event in Numbers 20:20. 2. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, who are journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They seek passage through Edom as a more direct route. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who communicates with the king of Edom to request passage. 4. King of EdomThe ruler of Edom who denies Israel passage through his land, despite their peaceful request. 5. KadeshA location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped and from where they sent messengers to Edom. Teaching Points The Consequences of Ancestral ConflictThe refusal of Edom to allow Israel passage is rooted in the ancient conflict between Esau and Jacob. This highlights how unresolved family conflicts can have long-lasting consequences. Respecting God's SovereigntyDespite the refusal, the Israelites are instructed not to engage in conflict with Edom. This teaches us to respect God's sovereignty and His plans, even when faced with obstacles. The Importance of Peaceful NegotiationMoses' approach to Edom was peaceful and respectful, setting an example for how we should handle conflicts and negotiations in our own lives. Trusting God's ProvisionEven when denied passage, the Israelites had to trust that God would provide another way. This encourages us to trust in God's provision and guidance when our plans are thwarted. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical relationship between Esau and Jacob influence the events in Numbers 20:20, and what can we learn about resolving family conflicts from this? 2. In what ways does the refusal of Edom to allow passage challenge the Israelites' faith, and how can we apply this to our own faith journey when faced with obstacles? 3. How does Moses' approach to the king of Edom demonstrate principles of peaceful negotiation, and how can we apply these principles in our daily interactions? 4. What does the Israelites' experience with Edom teach us about trusting in God's provision, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives when our plans do not go as expected? 5. How does the command in Deuteronomy 2:4-5 to avoid conflict with Edom reflect God's broader plan for Israel, and what does this teach us about respecting God's sovereignty in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:29-34The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob, which sets the stage for the historical tension between Edom (Esau's descendants) and Israel (Jacob's descendants). Obadiah 1:10-14A prophecy against Edom for their violence against their brother Jacob, highlighting the ongoing enmity between the two nations. Deuteronomy 2:4-5God's command to the Israelites not to provoke Edom, as He has given Mount Seir to Esau's descendants. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Army, Edom, Force, Heavy, Large, Meet, Pass, Powerful, Strength, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:20 4831 largeness Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8).
"Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 20:20 NIVNumbers 20:20 NLTNumbers 20:20 ESVNumbers 20:20 NASBNumbers 20:20 KJV
Numbers 20:20 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
