The Israelis Approach Edom

¹⁴ Later, Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom with this message: “This is what your relative Israel says: ‘You know all the hardships we’ve encountered.^{[a] 15} Our ancestors went down to Egypt, where we lived for many^[b] years. But the Egyptians treated us and our ancestors viciously. ¹⁶ Then we cried to the Lord and he heard our voice, sending us a messenger who brought us out of Egypt. Now look! We’ve arrived in Kadesh, a city at the extreme end of your territory. ¹⁷ Permit us now to pass through your land. We won’t pass through your fields or vineyards, and we won’t drink water^[c] from your wells. We’ll keep to the King’s Highway without turning either right or left until we have passed through your territory.’”

¹⁸ But Edom replied, “You are not to pass through my land.^[d] If you do, I’ll come out and start a war with you.”

¹⁹ Then the Israelis replied, “Permit us to travel on the highway. If we and our cattle drink your water, we’ll pay the price you ask. Only please let us walk through, and nothing more.”^[e]

²⁰ But still he replied, “No. You’re not to pass through.” Then Edom went out to meet Moses with a vast army and a lot of military might.^{[f] 21} That’s how Edom refused Israel passage through their territory. So Israel turned away from there.^[g]