Numbers 20:14

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

וישלח משה מלאכים מקדש אל מלך אדום כה אמר אחיך ישראל אתה ידעת את כל התלאה אשר מצאתנו:

What Does This Mean?

Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom, asking for permission to pass through their land. He refers to Edom as a brother and reminds them of the hardships Israel has faced.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're on a long trip with your family, and you need to ask your cousin if you can use their backyard to get to the park. Moses is doing something similar, asking his cousin, the king of Edom, for a path to follow.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Numbers, written by Moses around 1400-1300 BCE. It tells the story of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and is addressed to the Israelites, explaining their interactions with other nations.

Living It Out Today

When navigating through difficult situations, like needing to pass through someone else's territory, remember to approach others with respect and to share your journey's challenges. This can help build understanding and cooperation.

Topics

• Israelite Journey
• Moses
• Negotiation
• Brotherhood
• Travel
• Hardship

Related Verses

• Genesis 32:3
• Deuteronomy 2:4
• Genesis 36:1
• Psalm 60:8
• Romans 9:13

Recommended Reading

Commentary Numbers Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Moses call the king of Edom 'thy brother Israel'?

Moses calls the king of Edom 'thy brother Israel' because both Israel and Edom are descended from Isaac's twin sons, Jacob and Esau. This familial connection is used to appeal for kindness and passage.

What hardships did Moses mention to the king of Edom?

Moses likely referred to the trials Israel faced in the desert, including wandering for 40 years and dealing with various challenges from enemies and internal strife, emphasizing their need for a safe passage.

How does this verse relate to modern negotiations?

This verse teaches that in negotiations, it's helpful to highlight common ground and shared history to foster cooperation and mutual understanding, much like Moses did when appealing to Edom.

What can we learn about Moses' leadership from this verse?

From this verse, we can see that Moses was diplomatic and respectful in his approach to negotiations, showing how a leader can use familial ties and shared history to seek assistance and cooperation.