Numbers 20:20

But the king of Edom insisted, “You are forbidden to travel through our country!” He came out with his large and powerful army to meet the Israelites head-on.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

In Context

19“We'll keep to the main road,” the Israelites persisted. “If we or our livestock drink your water, we'll pay you for it. That's all we want—just to pass through on foot.”

21Since the king of Edom refused to allow Israel to travel through his territory, the Israelites had to turn back.

Read all of Numbers 20

Cross References

Genesis 27:41From then on Esau hated Jacob because of his father's blessing. Esau said to himself, “Soon the time will come when I'll mourn my father's death. Then I'll kill my brother Jacob!”

Numbers 20:18But the king of Edom replied, “You are forbidden to travel through our country, otherwise we will come out and stop you by force.”

Judges 11:20But Sihon didn't trust the Israelites to pass through his territory. So he assembled his army, set up camp at Jahaz, and attacked the Israelites.

Ezekiel 35:5Because of your lasting hatred for the Israelites you let them be attacked with swords as they went through terrible disasters when the time of their punishment was coming to an end.

Obadiah 1:10Because of the violence you committed against your brothers, the descendants of Jacob, you will be totally ashamed of yourselves, and destroyed forever.

Matthew Henry on Numbers 20:15-22

Ambassadors Sent to Edom. ( b. c. 1452.) 14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: 15 How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers: 16 And when we cried unto the Lord , he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border: 17 Let us pass, I… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Numbers 20:20