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Numbers 20:14-21
Common English Bible
Numbers 20:14-21
Common English Bible
The Israelites confront Edom
14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: “This is what your brother Israel says: ‘You know all the adversity that has happened to us. 15 How our ancestors went down to Egypt and lived in Egypt for a long time. The Egyptians oppressed us as they had our ancestors, 16 and we cried out to the Lord. He heard our voice, sent a messenger, and brought us out of Egypt. Now here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border. 17 Please let us cross through your land. We won’t pass through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will walk on the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have crossed your border.’”
18 Edom said to him, “You won’t cross through, or I will come out against you with a sword.”
19 The Israelites said to him, “We’ll go up by the road. If we drink from your water, either we or our livestock, we’ll pay for it. It’s a small matter. We would only ask to cross on foot.”
20 But he said, “You won’t cross.” Then Edom came out against them with a powerful army and a strong hand. 21 Edom refused to allow Israel to cross his border. And Israel turned away from him.
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Numbers 20:14-21
New International Version
Numbers 20:14-21
New International Version
Edom Denies Israel Passage
14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh(A) to the king of Edom,(B) saying:
“This is what your brother Israel says: You know(C) about all the hardships(D) that have come on us. 15 Our ancestors went down into Egypt,(E) and we lived there many years.(F) The Egyptians mistreated(G) us and our ancestors, 16 but when we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry(H) and sent an angel(I) and brought us out of Egypt.(J)
“Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.(K) 17 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.(L)”
18 But Edom(M) answered:
“You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.(N)”
19 The Israelites replied:
“We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock(O) drink any of your water, we will pay for it.(P) We only want to pass through on foot—nothing else.”
20 Again they answered:
“You may not pass through.(Q)”
Then Edom(R) came out against them with a large and powerful army. 21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory,(S) Israel turned away from them.(T)
Common English Bible (CEB)
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible
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