Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

JUDGES 11:17KJV
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Judges 11:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 11:17 mean?

Judges 11:17 describes how the people of Israel, while traveling toward the land God promised them, asked permission from the king of Edom and then the king of Moab to pass peacefully through their lands, but both kings refused. As a result, Israel stayed in a place called Kadesh instead of forcing their way through.

In this verse, the speaker is recounting Israel’s journey after leaving Egypt. The verse highlights Israel’s attempts to avoid conflict by sending messengers (not armies) to neighboring nations—Edom and Moab—requesting safe passage. Both nations declined, so Israel paused their journey at Kadesh, showing restraint and respect for borders rather than starting a fight.

The Hebrew behind Judges 11:17

  • מַלְאָךְ (mal’akh, “messenger”): This word refers to someone sent to deliver a message or request. Here, it emphasizes that Israel tried diplomatic means first, not aggression.
  • שָׁמַע (shama‘, “hearken”): This word means to listen or pay attention. The king of Edom “would not hearken,” meaning he refused to even consider Israel’s request.
  • יָשַׁב (yashav, “abode”): This word means to settle or stay. Israel “abode in Kadesh,” showing they waited rather than pushing forward without permission.

Why Judges 11:17 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Israel was looking for a fight; instead, it shows they tried to avoid conflict and respected the boundaries of Edom and Moab.
  • The verse sets up the story’s context, explaining why Israel was delayed and why later conflicts with these nations were not started by Israel’s aggression.
  • Understanding this diplomatic approach helps explain the fairness of Israel’s actions in the larger narrative, especially as Jephthah later defends Israel’s history to others.

Where else these words appear

“Kadesh” Hebrew H6946 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
  • Numbers 20:14 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:
  • Deuteronomy 1:46 So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there.

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:15 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.