Numbers 21 22

Numbers 21:22 kjv

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders.

Numbers 21:22 nkjv

"Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into fields or vineyards; we will not drink water from wells. We will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 21:22 niv

"Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 21:22 esv

"Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into field or vineyard. We will not drink the water of a well. We will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 21:22 nlt

"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 until we have passed through your territory."

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 22 Meaning

Numbers 21:22 conveys Israel's request for peaceful passage through the land of Sihon, king of the Amorites. It is a formal, self-restricting promise not to deviate from the main public road, to abstain from using local resources like fields, vineyards, or wells, and to depart immediately upon crossing the border. This demonstrates Israel's intent for a non-belligerent, disciplined transit, showcasing respect for Sihon's sovereignty and a reliance on God's provision rather than seizing local resources.

Numbers 21 22 Context

Numbers 21:22 occurs as Israel nears the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, on their long wilderness journey toward the promised land. Following the defeat of the Canaanite king of Arad, Israel is moving northwards. Having been denied passage by Edom, their kin, in Numbers 20:17-21, they had to bypass that territory. This verse records their subsequent, second attempt to secure peaceful passage through the territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites, which controlled a significant portion of the vital King's Highway. Historically, the "King's Highway" (Hebrew: Derekh HaMelech) was a major ancient trade route, strategically important, connecting Egypt to Syria and Mesopotamia. Control of this highway meant economic and military power. Israel's proposal was meticulously detailed to assure Sihon of their non-aggressive intentions, emphasizing a disciplined transit without disrupting the land or its resources, in sharp contrast to a military invasion. This sets the stage for Sihon's subsequent refusal, which, as stated later in Deuteronomy 2:30, God allowed or prompted in order to deliver Sihon's land into Israel's hands.

Numbers 21 22 Word analysis

• Let me pass through your land:
  • Let me pass through: Avrah na (אָעְבְרָה־נָּא), from the verb avar (עָבַר), meaning "to pass over," "to cross." The "na" (נָּא) is an partícula of entreaty or request, making the phrase "Please let me pass," conveying a polite, humble plea, rather than a demand. Though grammatically singular "me," it represents the collective Israel through Moses as their leader and voice.
  • your land: b'artzekha (בְּאַרְצֶךָ). Highlights the recognition of Sihon's territorial sovereignty. Israel respects boundaries even in seeking transit.
• We will not turn aside into field or vineyard:
  • We will not turn aside: Lo nitay (לֹא נִטֶּה), from natah (נָטָה), "to turn aside," "to deviate." This is a strong, negative prohibition, emphasizing strict adherence to the planned route and discipline among the Israelites.
  • into field: et-sadeh (שָׂדֶה), referring to an open cultivated field, vital for crops.
  • or vineyard: v'et-kerem (וְכֶרֶם), a grape-growing area, signifying a valuable agricultural asset. These elements promise non-interference with Sihon's primary economic resources, a key aspect of non-hostile passage.
• we will not drink water from any well:
  • we will not drink water: Lo nishteh mayim (וְלֹא נִשְׁתֶּה מַּיִם), from shatah (שָׁתָה), "to drink." A very significant concession in an arid region, where water sources are vital. This demonstrates extraordinary self-sufficiency and commitment not to burden the local population or deplete their precious resources, perhaps relying on God's provision (as He had done by providing water from the rock).
  • from any well: mey-be'er (מִבְּאֵר), referring specifically to a constructed well. This detail further underscores their intent not to infringe upon local provisions or shared water rights.
• We will go along the King's Highway:
  • We will go along: B'Derekh (בְּדֶרֶךְ), "by way of," or "along the path." A promise to maintain an orderly procession.
  • the King's Highway: HaMelech (הַמֶּלֶךְ). Derekh HaMelech (דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ) refers to a specific, well-known ancient trade route running north-south through Transjordan. This specifies their exact, publicly acknowledged path, ensuring transparency and leaving no room for accusations of hidden agendas or secret incursions.
• until we have passed through your territory:
  • until we have passed through: ad asher na'avor (עַד אֲשֶׁר נַעֲבֹר), meaning "until that we pass over/through." This clearly defines the duration and limits of their presence in Sihon's land.
  • your territory: gevulekha (גְּבוּלֶךָ), meaning "your boundary" or "your border." Reinforces respect for established national boundaries, affirming that their passage is temporary and confined to the agreed route, ending upon exiting his jurisdiction.

Numbers 21 22 Bonus section

The request to Sihon parallels Israel's earlier, rejected request to Edom (Num 20:17). However, Sihon's rejection is more consequential as it provides the divinely sanctioned basis for Israel's conquest of Transjordan, particularly because his refusal was unprovoked and overtly hostile despite Israel's peaceful overture and stringent self-limitations. Deuteronomy 2:30 explicitly states that the LORD hardened Sihon's spirit and made his heart obstinate "that He might deliver him into your hand," indicating a divine orchestration of events to fulfill God's promise to give Israel the land east of the Jordan. The "King's Highway" (Derekh HaMelech) was critical not only for trade but also for military movements, making Sihon's control over it paramount to his security and identity, thus his decision to deny access carried significant strategic weight. Israel's offer to avoid local wells also speaks to the profound understanding of desert life where water sources are vital points of communal ownership and control. This gesture further emphasized their non-intrusive intentions and spiritual reliance on God's miraculous provision.

Numbers 21 22 Commentary

Numbers 21:22 encapsulates Israel's strategic approach to land navigation through neighboring kingdoms during their wilderness journey. The proposal to King Sihon is marked by respectful diplomacy, self-imposed discipline, and clear boundaries. Israel, through Moses, requests simple transit on the well-known King's Highway, guaranteeing absolute non-interference with the local economy (no plundering of fields or vineyards) and local resources (no drawing water from wells). This demonstrates Israel's reliance on God for their provisions and their disciplined obedience, setting a moral precedent for their actions, which are to be marked by integrity. It portrays Israel not as an invading force but as a peace-seeking transit party. This polite and specific request contrasts sharply with Sihon's eventual unprovoked refusal, justifying Israel's subsequent divine conquest of his land. The meticulous details of their promise—sticking to the highway, avoiding private land, and not taking water—were designed to remove any suspicion of their true intent, highlighting Sihon's inexcusable aggression in rejecting such a reasonable offer.