The Edomites were the descendants of Esau

Num 20:20  And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. 

The Edomites were the descendants of Esau while the Israelites were the descendants of Jacob. Jacob and Esau were twin brothers, being sons of Isaac. The two brothers had a long standing feud with one another. Their hostility extended even into their descendants.

We have here Moses who sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, to request permission to pass through their territory into the land of Canaan. He reminded the king of Edom of their relationship as brethren (Numbers 20:14). He told the king of the time they were brought down to Egypt, of the oppression they had endured there, and their deliverance out of the land. I think the reason for telling the king of Edom of their past sufferings in Egypt was to arouse his compassion so that he would let them pass through his land.

Moses also assured the king that he would not suffer any economic loss as a result. He said they would not pass through fields and vineyards, nor drink the water of their wells, but keep to the king's way, without turning to the right or the left, and thus would do no injury whatever to the land (Numbers 20:14-16). Imagine this: Two million foreigners passing through his land is no laughing matter and of course the king of Edom would be concerned these foreigners would eat up the produce of the land. Moses said this to ally this fear which the king might have.

Unfortunately, the answer from the king of Edom was a big NO. The king answered Moses: "No, I won't let you go through our country! And if you try, we will attack you" (Numbers 20:18, CEV). And when the Israelites made a second appeal, the Edomite king’s answer was not only a big NO but he came out against them with a large army and with a strong force. The Israelites walked away from the confrontation.

What lessons can we learn:

1. BROTHERLY LOVE: The Edomites refused the visit of the Israelites in a most unbrotherly manner. Their hostile treatment to their brother Israel was remembered by God and was one of the reasons of their destruction (Obadiah 1:10-14). They showed no compassion to their brother Israel and even threatened to come out against them with the sword.

It is a great sin to cast obstacles in the path of others, or to refuse them such friendly assistance as they seek of us. God wants us to have brotherly love for one another: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10). Love forgives, forgets, and wishes the best for the enemies (Matthew 5:44). As God remembers the unbrotherly conduct of Cain towards Abel (Genesis 4:9-10), and Edom towards Israel, God will remember any unbrotherly conduct a Christian has for another (1 John 3:15). We are commanded to love our brethren: “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:21).

2. AVOIDING CONFLICT: When Israel found himself rudely denied and opposed, he did not attempt to avenge himself, but turned away from Edom. Brother Israel did the right thing: they walked away from the conflict.

If we meet with hostility when we looked for help and sympathy, it is useless to complain and to bear malice, or start a confrontation: the best way to deal with it is to turn away from such persons and leave them to God and to themselves. They will have to answer to God for their conduct (Matthew 25:31-46).

Let us not behave like the Edomites who showed no compassion to their brother Israel. Let us have brotherly love for one another (Romans 12:10). And, let us walk away from conflicts before it even gets started: “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:15).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.