Study Desk

Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: "This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come upon us.

Our forefathers went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers,

but when we cried out to the LORD , he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. "Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.

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."

But Edom answered: "You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword."

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."

Again they answered: "You may not pass through." Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army.

Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.