Numbers 20:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:15 mean?

Numbers 20:15 presents Israel’s past as part of a request for safe passage through Edom. Moses’ message recalls that Israel’s ancestors went to Egypt, where the people lived for a long time and suffered harsh treatment from the Egyptians.

Moses addresses the king of Edom through messengers. The words “our fathers” connect the people making the request with earlier generations who shared that experience. The reference to a long stay makes clear that the hardship belonged to a story stretching back well before the present journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:15

• “vexed” — רָעַע (raʿaʿ): This word can carry the sense of treating someone badly. Here, “vexed” means more than merely annoyed; the message describes harsh treatment by the Egyptians.
• “dwelt” — יָשַׁב (yashav): This word often means to live or settle in a place. It describes an extended residence in Egypt, not a brief visit.

Why Numbers 20:15 matters

• The message appeals to a family connection with Edom. Just before this verse, Israel addresses Edom as “thy brother Israel” and speaks of the hardship Israel has faced (verse 14).
• The account leads into a request about the present journey. After describing Israel’s departure from Egypt, the messengers ask permission to pass through Edom’s land (verses 16–17).
• “Us” joins the speakers to the earlier generations in the story. The message presents the experience in Egypt as part of the shared history of the people now approaching Edom.