Numbers 20 19

Numbers 20:19 kjv

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing anything else, go through on my feet.

Numbers 20:19 nkjv

So the children of Israel said to him, "We will go by the Highway, and if I or my livestock drink any of your water, then I will pay for it; let me only pass through on foot, nothing more."

Numbers 20:19 niv

The Israelites replied: "We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot?nothing else."

Numbers 20:19 esv

And the people of Israel said to him, "We will go up by the highway, and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then I will pay for it. Let me only pass through on foot, nothing more."

Numbers 20:19 nlt

The Israelites answered, "We will stay on the main road. If our livestock drink your water, we will pay for it. Just let us pass through your country. That's all we ask."

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 19 Meaning

Numbers 20:19 details the plea of the children of Israel to the king of Edom for safe passage through his territory. They promise a strictly controlled journey: they would not trespass on private lands or farms but would remain solely on the recognized public thoroughfare, "the king's highway." This assurance underscored their commitment to avoid any damage to Edomite property or interests, and to leave immediately once they had traversed Edomite boundaries, demonstrating their desire for peaceful and swift transit.

Numbers 20 19 Context

Numbers 20:19 is part of a crucial episode during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, as they approach the border of the promised land. After the death of Miriam and Moses' sin at Meribah, the Israelites encamp at Kadesh. From here, Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom, seeking permission to pass through his territory. Edom was strategically located, blocking a direct route to Canaan, and possessing the significant north-south "King's Highway." This specific verse details Israel's earnest and humble attempt at diplomacy, assuring Edom that their passage would be swift, respectful, and contained, inflicting no damage to land or resources. This offer highlights Israel's desire for a peaceful transit from their kinsmen (Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother). However, this request was ultimately met with hostile refusal, leading to Israel being forced to bypass Edom.

Numbers 20 19 Word analysis

• "And the children of Israel": B'nei Yisrael (Hebrew: בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל). Signifies the entire nation, united in this appeal. Their identity as God's covenant people is implicit, contrasting with the kinship-based appeal (brother Israel) previously made (Num 20:14).
• "said unto him": This phrase indicates a direct, formal communication to the king of Edom, reflecting a diplomatic approach rather than a demand. It suggests respect for Edom's sovereignty.
• "We will not go through the fields": Hebrew: b’śādēh (בַּשָּׂדֶה). The singular 'field' can mean open country, agricultural land, or rural areas. This explicit promise demonstrates Israel's awareness of respecting Edomite property and livelihood, preventing damage to crops or pasturage that a large caravan might inflict by straying. It expresses a desire to avoid any cause for conflict.
• "we will go by the king's highway": Hebrew: b’dērek̠ hammeleḵ (בְּדֶרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ). This refers to the "King's Highway," an ancient and well-known major north-south trade and military route traversing Transjordan, controlled by the king. By specifying this route, Israel further assures Edom that their passage would be on established, public thoroughfares, minimizing impact and implying orderly transit under any royal supervision Edom might provide. This demonstrates their willingness to comply with the established rules for interstate travel.
• "we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left": This is a proverbial expression across the Bible (e.g., Deut 5:32, Prov 4:27, Josh 1:7) indicating strict adherence, unwavering resolve, and a lack of deviation from the appointed path. Here, it literally means they would not stray from the King's Highway. Symbolically, it reinforces their commitment to disciplined behavior and to causing absolutely no trouble or provocation.
• "until we have passed thy borders": This clearly defines the scope and temporary nature of their request. Their objective is simply transit; once beyond Edomite territory, they would cease to be in Edom and thus, cease to be Edom's concern. This sets clear boundaries and reassures Edom of a prompt departure.

Numbers 20 19 Bonus section

The "King's Highway" mentioned in this verse was a highly strategic and ancient road, predating Israel's arrival, that ran from Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. It was crucial for trade, military movements, and communication in the ancient Near East. Israel's explicit mention of using only this route was therefore a significant pledge, indicating their readiness to avoid all sensitive private areas and adhere to established interstate transit norms. This interaction underscores the complex geopolitical landscape nations faced and highlights the tension between sibling nations (Israel, descendants of Jacob; Edom, descendants of Esau) that would mark much of their shared history. Despite Israel's sincere and comprehensive assurances, Edom's fear and ingrained hostility prevented a peaceful resolution, demonstrating how mistrust can override even the most reasonable and detailed diplomatic proposals.

Numbers 20 19 Commentary

Numbers 20:19 captures Israel's humble and carefully worded request for peaceful passage through Edom. Faced with a geographic impediment on their journey to Canaan, they resort to diplomatic overtures, assuring their brother nation of strict adherence to agreed-upon routes and a commitment to avoid any infringement on Edomite territory or resources. Their detailed promises – avoiding fields, sticking to the established King's Highway, and not deviating – showcase a proactive effort to build trust and mitigate any concerns from Edom. This verse stands in stark contrast to Edom's later unbrotherly and aggressive refusal, highlighting Israel's restraint and peaceful intent in this immediate encounter, while setting the stage for future divine judgment against Edom for their lack of hospitality and sustained hostility towards God's people.