Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Moshe refer to Edom as 'your brother Israel' in Numbers 20:14?
A: Moshe referred to Edom as Israel's brother because the Edomites were descendants of Esav (Esau), who was the brother of Yaakov (Jacob), the forefather of the Israelites. This was a diplomatic approach to appeal to their shared ancestry, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: What was the purpose of Moshe sending messengers to the king of Edom?
A: Moshe sent messengers to the king of Edom to request peaceful passage through their land on the way to the Land of Israel, as the Jewish people were traveling from Egypt. This demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on seeking peaceful resolutions before conflict, as taught in Jewish tradition.
Q: What does 'you know all the travail that has befallen us' mean in this verse?
A: Moshe was reminding the Edomites that they were aware of the Jewish people's suffering in Egypt and their miraculous redemption. According to the Midrash, this was meant to evoke sympathy and encourage them to allow peaceful passage, since the Edomites had witnessed these events.
Q: Why did this encounter happen in Kadesh as mentioned in Numbers 20:14?
A: Kadesh was a central location near the border of Edom where the Israelites camped during their travels. The Talmud and commentators explain that this was a strategic place from which to approach Edom, as it was along the route to the Promised Land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's approach to Edom in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of diplomacy and peaceful negotiation, even when dealing with potential adversaries. Moshe's respectful approach, acknowledging their brotherhood and shared history, serves as a model for conflict resolution, as emphasized in Jewish ethical teachings.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 20:14) describes Moshe Rabbeinu sending messengers to the king of Edom, requesting peaceful passage through their land as Bnei Yisrael journey toward Eretz Yisrael. The phrasing emphasizes the familial relationship ("thy brother Yisrael") and appeals to Edom's awareness of the Jewish people's suffering.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Moshe's mention of "thy brother Yisrael" recalls the shared ancestry through Yaakov and Esav (the progenitor of Edom). This language was chosen to invoke kinship and compassion. Rashi further notes that Moshe reminded Edom of "all the travail" - the Egyptian bondage and subsequent miracles - implying that just as Hashem redeemed Yisrael, Edom should now assist them.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Melachim (6:5), Rambam derives from this episode that before waging war, one must first attempt peaceful resolution. Moshe's diplomatic approach, despite having divine assurance of victory, establishes this halachic principle of seeking peace before conflict.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Analysis
Ibn Ezra observes that Moshe's reference to their suffering was strategic - since Edom had witnessed the Exodus and subsequent events, they couldn't deny divine providence over Yisrael. This should have compelled them to grant passage.
Kli Yakar's Interpretation
The Kli Yakar emphasizes the phrase "you know" - Moshe was appealing to Edom's firsthand knowledge of Jewish history, making refusal an act of willful defiance rather than ignorance. This framed Edom's later refusal as particularly egregious.