And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
They traveled from Mount Hor toward the Red Sea, going around the land of Edom. The people became deeply discouraged because of the difficult journey.
The Israelites had to take a long detour around Edom's territory, and this disappointing change of plans left them feeling discouraged and frustrated.
📚 Historical Context
The Israelites were in the midst of their 40-year wilderness wandering after the Exodus from Egypt, a period of testing and discipline due to their lack of faith at the borders of Canaan. In this verse, they had just departed from Mount Hor, where Aaron, Moses' brother and the high priest, had died, and were attempting to circumvent the land of Edom to avoid conflict and continue toward the Promised Land. This journey highlighted the physical and emotional toll of their prolonged travels, often leading to complaints against God and their leaders despite His miraculous provisions.
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