Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen [1] us:

Other Translations of Numbers 20:14

New International Version

Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: "This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come on us.

English Standard Version

Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: "Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the hardship that we have met:

The Message

Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 Moses sent emissaries from Kadesh to the king of Edom with this message: "A message from your brother Israel: You are familiar with all the trouble we've run into.

New King James Version

Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 Now Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. "Thus says your brother Israel: 'You know all the hardship that has befallen us,

New Living Translation

Edom Refuses Passage to Israel

14 While Moses was at Kadesh, he sent ambassadors to the king of Edom with this message: "This is what your relatives, the people of Israel, say: You know all the hardships we have been through.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 20:14

Commentary on Numbers 20:14-21

(Read Numbers 20:14-21)

The nearest way to Canaan from the place where Israel encamped, was through the country of Edom. The ambassadors who were sent returned with a denial. The Edomites feared to receive damage by the Israelites. And had this numerous army been under any other discipline than that of the righteous God himself, there might have been cause for this jealousy. But Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing; and now the hatred revived, when the blessing was about to be inherited. We must not think it strange, if reasonable requests be denied by unreasonable men, and if those whom God favours be affronted by men.

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Other Translations of Numbers 20:21

New International Version

21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.

English Standard Version

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory, so Israel turned away from him.

The Message

21 Edom refused to let them cross through his land. So Israel had to detour around him.

New King James Version

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory; so Israel turned away from him.

New Living Translation

21 Because Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their country, Israel was forced to turn around.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 20:21

Commentary on Numbers 20:14-21

(Read Numbers 20:14-21)

The nearest way to Canaan from the place where Israel encamped, was through the country of Edom. The ambassadors who were sent returned with a denial. The Edomites feared to receive damage by the Israelites. And had this numerous army been under any other discipline than that of the righteous God himself, there might have been cause for this jealousy. But Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing; and now the hatred revived, when the blessing was about to be inherited. We must not think it strange, if reasonable requests be denied by unreasonable men, and if those whom God favours be affronted by men.