Why did Moses call Israel “thy brother” when speaking to the king of Edom?

Moses reminded the king of Edom that Israel was his “brother” because both nations came from the same family line. Israel came from Jacob, and Edom came from Esau, who were twin brothers. By using this family language, Moses was appealing to natural kindness and shared history. He hoped that, as relatives, Edom would pity Israel’s long suffering in Egypt and now help them on their journey by letting them pass through the land instead of treating them like enemies.

What is the “king’s highway” that Israel promised to use?

The “king’s highway” was the main public road through Edom, used for travel and trade. When Israel said they would go by the king’s highway, they were promising to stay on the main route and not wander into fields or vineyards. They were saying, in effect, “We will not damage your land or take your crops. We will just pass straight through on the public road.” This showed Israel wanted to be respectful guests and avoid any harm to Edom’s property.

Why did Edom refuse to let Israel pass through their country?

The passage shows Edom answering with a flat refusal and threatening war if Israel tried to pass. Edom likely feared this large nation might harm or take over their land, even though Israel promised not to touch fields or wells and even to pay for water. There was also old bitterness between the families of Esau and Jacob. So instead of acting kindly to their brothers, Edom chose to protect themselves harshly and came out with many people and a strong hand to block the way.

How did Israel respond when Edom threatened them with the sword?

Israel did not fight back. Even after Edom warned that they would come out with the sword, Israel tried again to speak peaceably, repeating that they would stay on the highway and pay for any water they used. When Edom still refused and came out with much people and a strong hand, Israel simply turned away and chose another route. This shows Israel obeying God’s will not to attack this brother nation, even when treated unfairly, and leaving the matter in God’s hands.

What does this passage show about God’s care for Israel?

In the message sent to Edom, Israel reminds them that when they cried to the Lord in Egypt, he heard their voice, sent an angel, and brought them out. This shows that God had already proven his care by rescuing them from cruel slavery and guiding them safely to Kadesh. Even when a nearer path is closed by Edom’s refusal, God is still leading them. The blocked road does not mean God has forgotten them, but that he has another way and another time for dealing with Edom.

Who is the angel mentioned as bringing Israel out of Egypt?

The passage says the Lord heard Israel’s cry and “sent an angel” who brought them out of Egypt. This is speaking of a special messenger from God who went before them, showed God’s presence, and carried out his saving work. This angel appeared to Moses and led the people with signs and guidance. The wording points to more than a regular messenger, but to God’s own presence going ahead of them. The point in the story is to remind Edom that God himself had taken up Israel’s cause.

What was happening when Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to Edom?

Israel was camped at Kadesh, on the edge of Edom’s land, near the end of their long wandering. The shortest way to their promised land was through Edom. Instead of marching in by force, Moses sent messengers with a respectful request. They explained Israel’s hard past in Egypt, God’s rescue by an angel, and their current place at Edom’s border. They asked permission to pass through on the king’s highway, promising not to touch fields, vineyards, or wells, and to pay for any water they used.

How can this story of Israel and Edom’s refusal apply to believers today?

This passage shows how to act when treated unfairly. Israel made a reasonable, humble request and even offered to pay for any water. Still, Edom refused and threatened them. Instead of forcing their way or seeking revenge, Israel turned away. For believers today, this can encourage patient restraint and trust in God’s leading when doors close. It also warns against acting like Edom, who ignored family ties and kindness, and instead teaches showing mercy to those God has helped and favored.

Num.20.14

Numbers 20:14

KJV

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Edom Refuses Passage

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:

And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

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 high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.

And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

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

Cross References

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