Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

NUMBERS 20:21KJV
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Numbers 20:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:21 mean?

Numbers 20:21 describes how Edom refused to let the people of Israel travel through Edom’s territory, so Israel turned away and did not pass through. The verse shows that Israel did not fight but instead changed their route because Edom would not allow passage.

In this situation, the Israelites were journeying toward the land God had promised them and needed to pass through the land of Edom. Moses, speaking for Israel, had asked Edom for permission, but Edom’s refusal left Israel with no choice but to turn back. This moment highlights the tension between the two groups and sets the stage for Israel’s continued journey through the wilderness.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:21

  • "refused" (מָאֵן, ma'en): This word means to firmly say no or to reject. Edom’s refusal is not just a polite decline but a strong, deliberate rejection.
  • "passage" (עָבַר, avar): This word means to cross over or travel through. The request was for safe transit, not to settle or take anything from Edom.
  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to the boundary or edge of Edom’s land. The focus is on respecting the established limits between peoples.

Why Numbers 20:21 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that Israel respected Edom’s decision and did not force their way through, showing restraint even when denied.
  • The refusal by Edom is a turning point that leads Israel to take a longer, more difficult route, shaping the events that follow in the wilderness journey.
  • The verse highlights the ongoing complicated relationship between Israel and Edom, two nations with shared ancestry but frequent conflict.

Where else these words appear

“refused” Hebrew H3985 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
  • 1 Samuel 28:23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
  • Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

“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.