Numbers 20 17

Numbers 20:17 kjv

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

Numbers 20:17 nkjv

Please let us pass through your country. We will not pass through fields or vineyards, nor will we drink water from wells; we will go along the King's Highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory.' "

Numbers 20:17 niv

Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King's Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 20:17 esv

Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or vineyard, or drink water from a well. We will go along the King's Highway. We will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 20:17 nlt

Please let us travel through your land. We will be careful not to go through your fields and vineyards. We won't even drink water from your wells. We will stay on the king's road and never leave it until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 17 Meaning

Numbers 20:17 records Moses's formal, precise, and respectful request on behalf of the Israelites to the nation of Edom for safe and unimpeded passage through their territory. The Israelites pledged to remain strictly on the ancient "King's Highway," avoiding all cultivated lands (fields and vineyards) and personal water sources (wells), and to not deviate from the public road until they had exited Edomite borders. This was an assurance of non-aggression and a commitment to respect Edomite sovereignty and resources, highlighting Israel's peaceful intent during their wilderness journey towards the Promised Land.

Numbers 20 17 Context

Numbers chapter 20 marks a critical juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, taking place almost 40 years after their exodus from Egypt, at the end of the long wilderness wandering. It opens with the death of Miriam and subsequently portrays a lack of water, leading to the infamous incident where Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, resulting in God's declaration that Moses and Aaron would not enter the Promised Land. Following this, the Israelites arrive at Kadesh, located on the border of Edom's territory.

This verse (Num 20:17) is part of a diplomatic message Moses sends to the king of Edom, requesting passage through their land. The King's Highway (Derech HaMelech in Hebrew) was a crucial ancient trade route extending from Egypt to Mesopotamia, passing directly through Edom. For the vast Israelite congregation, using this road offered the most direct and least strenuous path to their destination, avoiding difficult desert terrain and potential skirmishes. The meticulous details of their request—not using fields, vineyards, or wells, and staying strictly on the public road—were meant to assure Edom of Israel's non-threatening intentions and respect for their sovereignty, land, and resources. Edom was kin to Israel, as descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), making this request to a brother nation.

Numbers 20 17 Word analysis

• Let us pass through your country: The Hebrew phrase תן לנו לעבר (ten lanu la'avor) conveys a polite request, "Please let us pass." It is not a demand, but a plea for permission, emphasizing Israel's reliance on Edom's goodwill and their respect for Edom's territorial sovereignty. This humble posture despite being a large nation reflects diplomatic decorum.
• We will not pass through field or vineyard: The Hebrew בשדה או בכרם (ba'sadeh o ba'kerem) specifies the private, cultivated lands. This promise indicates Israel's commitment to avoiding damage to Edom's agricultural economy and property rights. Such detailed assurances highlight their peaceful intent and a proactive approach to prevent misunderstanding or conflict. Fields (for grains) and vineyards (for grapes) were crucial for subsistence in ancient agrarian societies.
• nor drink water from wells: The Hebrew ובארות מים לא נשתה (u'be'erot mayim lo nishteh) is a critical promise, given the scarcity of water in the arid region. Wells were privately owned and vital for survival. This assurance meant Israel would either bring their own water, find alternative public sources, or purchase it, thereby not depleting Edom's essential resources or intruding on private property associated with wells.
• we will go along the King’s Highway: The Hebrew בדרך המלך נלך (ba'derech ha'melech nelekh) refers to the Derech HaMelech, a prominent ancient north-south trade route that spanned much of the Transjordan. This was a public, recognized highway, implying regulated passage. Israel’s promise to stick to this route demonstrated their commitment to staying on designated paths and not venturing into Edomite settlements or unassigned areas. It was a commitment to a legitimate transit corridor, avoiding potential disputes.
• not turning aside to the right hand or to the left: The Hebrew לא נטה ימין ושמאל (lo natteh yamin u'smoel) is a strong commitment to straight and disciplined conduct. This idiom is commonly used in biblical texts to signify adherence to a prescribed path or command without deviation (e.g., Deut 5:32; Josh 1:7). Here, it emphasizes that the Israelites would not deviate from the main King's Highway to pillage, settle, or cause trouble. It conveyed transparency and a strict adherence to their declared route and purpose.
• until we have passed through your territory: The Hebrew עד אשר נעבר גבולך (ad asher na'avor gevulekha) clearly defines the scope and temporal limit of their requested passage. It clarifies that their intent was mere transit, not invasion or permanent settlement. This specific phrasing aimed to alleviate any fears of territorial encroachment by the numerous Israelite host.

Numbers 20 17 Bonus section

• Ancient Diplomacy: The precise and detailed nature of Moses's request in Numbers 20:17 illustrates the sophistication of diplomatic overtures in the ancient Near East, where formal assurances were critical for inter-state relations, especially concerning travel and resources.
• Geopolitical Significance: The King's Highway (Derech HaMelech) was not merely a local road but a vital economic and strategic artery, connecting Egypt to the north via Transjordan. Control or access to it was a significant geopolitical issue. Edom's refusal to grant passage was a claim to sovereign control over this route within their borders, impacting trade and travel.
• Brotherhood and Betrayal: The narrative subtly underscores the familial connection between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau). Edom's refusal is a rejection of kinship ties, an act of unbrotherly hostility that had lasting implications for their relationship and later prophetic judgments against Edom (e.g., Obadiah).

Numbers 20 17 Commentary

Numbers 20:17 is a prime example of earnest diplomacy and a plea for peaceful passage, a critical moment reflecting Israel's strategic needs and vulnerability. Moses's message is meticulously crafted to demonstrate good faith and respect for Edomite sovereignty, land rights, and resources. By detailing precisely what they would not do (pass through private land, use private wells) and what they would do (stay on the public King's Highway, not deviate), Israel made a highly reasonable and non-threatening proposal. This thoroughness highlights Israel's desire to avoid conflict and reach the Promised Land by the most direct and amicable route.

Despite this well-articulated, deferential request from a "brother nation," Edom's subsequent outright refusal (v. 18) marked a significant turning point, forcing Israel into a difficult detour around their territory. This act of rejection initiated a prolonged animosity between the two nations that echoes throughout biblical history. The King's Highway, crucial for regional trade and communications, becomes symbolic of the path to their inheritance, which was obstructed by kin, reflecting the spiritual opposition God's people sometimes face on their journey. Even when peace is earnestly sought and reasonable terms offered, human stubbornness and fear can impede divine purpose, yet God always provides another way, albeit perhaps a harder one.