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:

NUMBERS 20:14KJV
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Numbers 20:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:14 mean?

Numbers 20:14 describes Moses sending messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom with a message that calls Edom “your brother Israel” and reminds him of all the hardship Israel has experienced. The verse sets up a diplomatic request by highlighting the shared ancestry and the difficult journey Israel has faced.

Moses is speaking as the leader of Israel, reaching out from Kadesh—a location near Edom—hoping to appeal to Edom’s sense of kinship. By calling Israel Edom’s “brother,” Moses refers to their common descent from Isaac: Edom comes from Esau, Israel from Jacob. The verse opens a negotiation, with Moses reminding Edom of Israel’s long history of suffering, likely to encourage sympathy and cooperation.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:14

  • “Brother” (אָח, ’ach): This word emphasizes the family relationship between Israel and Edom, rooted in their ancestors Jacob and Esau. Moses uses it to appeal to shared heritage, not just political alliance.
  • “Travail” (תְּלָאָה, tela’ah): This word means hardship or suffering. By choosing this term, the message highlights the depth and seriousness of what Israel has endured, setting the tone for the request that follows.

Why Numbers 20:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel’s approach to Edom is peaceful and respectful, not confrontational, which is important for understanding the events that follow in the chapter.
  • By calling Edom “brother,” the verse shows that ancient relationships and family ties played a key role in negotiations and expectations between nations.
  • The mention of Israel’s suffering connects this moment to the broader story of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, reminding the reader of the hardships that have shaped Israel’s identity.

Where else these words appear

“travail” Hebrew H8513 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 18:8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
  • Nehemiah 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
  • Lamentations 3:5 He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

“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 20:16 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:
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

“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.