“Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway; we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.”– Numbers 20:17 (KJV)
“Please let us travel through your land. We will stay on the main road and won’t turn off into the fields and vineyards. We won’t drink water from your wells. We will only pass through your country on foot.”– Numbers 20:17 (NLT)
“Let us pass through your country. We won’t go through the fields or vineyards. We won’t drink your well water. We will stay on the road, and we won’t turn off it to the right or the left until we have passed through your territory.”– Numbers 20:17 (MSG)
What Does Numbers 20:17 Mean?
The passage from Numbers 20:17 finds the Israelites in a challenging situation as they journey toward the Promised Land. Here, they are requesting permission from the king of Edom to pass through his territory. The specific language they use depicts a respectful approach, making it clear that they do not wish to cause any trouble or disturbance. The Israelites emphasize their intent to follow a straightforward path without making any detours or taking advantage of the land they seek to traverse.
To fully understand the meaning, we must consider the historical background. The Israelites had spent forty years wandering in the wilderness as a consequence of their disobedience. Their desire to go through Edom reflects a significant and urgent need to reach the land God promised them. By specifying that they would only walk on the king’s highway, avoiding the fields and vineyards, they demonstrate a commitment to maintaining peace with the Edomites, acknowledging the rights of others in the land they wished to travel through.
Numbers 20:17 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we note the importance of civility and respect in seemingly mundane requests. As the Israelites approach the king of Edom, their words highlight a vital lesson in diplomacy. By expressing their intention to honor the land of Edom and its people, they exhibit a strong moral character. This sense of decorum is important, especially as they are outsiders seeking passage through another nation’s territory.
The phrase “we will not pass through the fields or through the vineyards” is particularly emblematic of respect for the personal property and resources of the Edomites. It’s a reminder that as people on a journey – whether it be in our personal lives or faith journeys – we must remember to respect the spaces and resources of others. We can often relate this to our everyday lives. When asking for favors or assistance, we should ensure that we are being considerate and mindful of those we’re depending on.
This verse also carries weight in the context of the struggle that the Israelites faced. Their journey was often met with resistance and hardships. The Israelites’ respectful approach reflects their desire to maintain peace on their path to God’s promises. In our lives, how often do we remember to carry ourselves with grace when we face obstacles? Our mannerisms can greatly influence not only our relationships but also the outcomes of our pursuits. In recognizing that, we can learn and appreciate the essence of meekness, a quality that is often overlooked in our assertive world.
Ultimately, the essence of this scripture is twofold: it reflects the Israelites’ commitment to peace and a deeper understanding of the significance of humility, acknowledging that not every journey through life will be straightforward. Sometimes, we must ask gracefully and navigate wisely just like the Israelites.
Context of Numbers 20:17
To grasp the depth of Numbers 20:17, it is essential to reflect on the broader context surrounding the Israelite narrative. The journey they undertook was laden with trials and challenges. After their exodus from Egypt and wanderings in the wilderness, they stood on the precipice of entering the land promised by God. Yet, before they could claim their inheritance, they encountered various nations that blocked their way.
At this point in the story, God had already told Moses that the Israelites would face several obstacles in their route to the Promised Land. They had just requested permission from the king of Edom who was known to be a relative, as Edom descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. This relationship added layers to the request for permission but also brought forth historical tensions that dated back generations.
The scene unfolds in an environment immersed in historical and familial threads. The confrontation with Edom, therefore, reveals the complexities that arise when families and nations create legacies through their relationships. Despite the ties, past grievances still hold strength, reminding us that history can often complicate present circumstances. This illustrates a reality we can look to in our own families or communities, showing that not all relationships remain uncomplicated even when shared heritage is involved. The Israelites’ plea was a model of attempting to overcome those natural divisions by recognizing the boundaries of others.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Numbers 20:17
Let’s break down some key phrases in this verse to unveil their deeper meanings. When the Israelites said, “Let us pass, I pray thee,” their tone sets the stage for a respectful exchange. Such respectful language is an essential part of how we should communicate, particularly in difficult discussions. It fosters understanding and willingness from those we are asking.
Next, the emphasis on not passing “through the fields, or through the vineyards” illustrates their conscious effort to avoid causing any potential damages. It signifies that they did not intend to exploit or harm the land or its resources, demonstrating integrity. We often face opportunities where we could take advantage of others or their resources for our gain. This reminder urges us now to act with integrity and accountability in our endeavors, considering how our actions may impact others.
The idea of walking “on the king’s highway” is metaphorical of a journey taken with purpose. A highway is a defined path that already exists, making the travel predictable and straightforward. In our lives, we are also given a path by God. In seeking a path that aligns with kindness and humility, we follow the right course in our spiritual journeys. Acts of kindness often lead us to greener pastures than those that we might have chosen if we had gone our own way without taking the feelings of others into consideration.
Lastly, their resolve to not turn “to the right hand nor to the left” reveals a commitment to stay true to their course—a principle we can all embrace in a world that often pulls us in various directions. It fortifies the importance of focus. There are countless distractions every day that lead us away from our goals and values. By striving to remain steadfast in our faith, we pursue a clearer pathway toward our spiritual growth.
Lessons to Learn From Numbers 20:17
From Numbers 20:17, we can derive many valuable lessons that echo across time, teaching us how we can conduct ourselves as we interact with others—especially in challenging situations. One of the most significant lessons hinges on respect. The Israelites approached the king of Edom with a humble and polite request, showing us that respect is foundational in all our dealings. When we treat others with dignity, we pave the way for better interactions and outcomes, fostering an environment of understanding.
Another lesson we can draw from this passage relates to the importance of being honest and transparent in our intentions. By openly stating their limitations about water and incoming fields, the Israelites modeled integrity and candor. This teaches us to be forthright without trying to manipulate or bend the truth at the expense of others. Honesty can be our strongest ally and helps to establish trust, which is central to any relationship.
This verse also emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries and respecting others’ territories. For us, this could mean not overstepping limits in our personal or professional lives. Each individual, community, and culture has its own norms and practices that should be honored. Recognizing that we exist under God’s larger family allows us to appreciate this diversity and leads to greater harmony and peace. It encourages us to be mindful of how we cross paths with others in our day-to-day lives.
Lastly, the idea of sticking to our paths and remaining focused on our goals is essential. We are often bombarded with distractions that can lead us away from God’s plan. By learning to restrain ourselves from veering off course, we strengthen our aim in fulfilling our life’s callings. Whether through prayer, study of the Word, or community involvement, we can help our resolve to stay true to our journey.
Final Thoughts
Numbers 20:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for respect, integrity, and focus on our path. As we reflect on the Israelites’ request to pass through Edom, we see that navigating life requires careful consideration of our relationships with others. The lessons echoed in their plea are as relevant today as they were then. May we carry forth the principles of humility and respect learned from this passage in our daily interactions.
As we strive to apply these lessons in our lives, let us continue to look deeper into other scripture passages, such as John 7:10 or Numbers 13:22, to enrich our understanding and deepen our walk with God. Every verse holds a treasure of wisdom ready for us to explore, shaping who we are as we journey through life together.