Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.
So Edom refused to let Israel pass through their territory, so Israel turned away and went a different direction.
This verse shows that when the Edomites blocked Israel's path to the Promised Land, Israel chose to go around them rather than force their way through.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, the Israelites, led by Moses, were journeying through the wilderness toward the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. They politely requested passage through the territory of Edom, which was controlled by descendants of Esau, Israel's ancestral relative, but the Edomites refused out of longstanding familial rivalry. This refusal forced the Israelites to take a longer, more arduous route, highlighting themes of divine guidance and the challenges of their wilderness wanderings.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.