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Numbers 20:18 - Edom blocks Israel's path?

Numbers 20:18 - במדבר 20:18

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֱדוֹם לֹא תַעֲבֹר בִּי פֶּן־בַּחֶרֶב אֵצֵא לִקְרָאתֶךָ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Va'yomer elav Edom lo ta'avor bi pen-ba'cherev e'tze likratecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ אֱד֔וֹם לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑י פֶּן־בַּחֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִקְרָאתֶֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ אֱד֔וֹם לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑י פֶּן־בַּחֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִקְרָאתֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 20:18) describes the encounter between Bnei Yisrael and Edom (descendants of Esav) as they requested passage through Edom's territory on their journey to Eretz Yisrael. Edom's refusal, accompanied by a threat of violence, reflects the longstanding tension between the descendants of Yaakov and Esav.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Edom's refusal was rooted in the ancient enmity between Yaakov and Esav, as Esav harbored resentment over the blessings Yaakov received (Bereishit 27:41). This hostility persisted through their descendants. Rashi also notes that Edom's threat, "lest I come out against thee with the sword," was an empty boast, as Bnei Yisrael were under divine protection and could have easily overpowered Edom had Hashem permitted it.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the laws of war and diplomacy, emphasizing that Bnei Yisrael first approached Edom peacefully, as required by halacha. Their request for passage—promising to stay on the highway and pay for any resources used—demonstrates the Torah's value of seeking peaceful resolutions before conflict.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) highlights the irony of Edom's defiance, as Esav had once sold his birthright to Yaakov, yet his descendants now barred Yaakov's children from their land.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Chukat 4) suggests that Edom's harsh response was a test of Bnei Yisrael's faith, teaching them to rely on Hashem's guidance rather than human diplomacy.

Halachic Implications

The Sifri (on Devarim 2:4-5) derives from this episode that Hashem forbade Bnei Yisrael from conquering Edom, as it was Esav's inheritance. This teaches the principle of respecting ancestral lands allotted by divine decree, even for nations outside the covenant.

Moral Lesson

The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar 20:18) notes that Bnei Yisrael's restraint in not engaging Edom in war—despite their capability—demonstrates the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflict and trusting in Hashem's plan, even when faced with hostility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Edom refuse to let Israel pass through their land?
A: According to Rashi, Edom's refusal was based on their longstanding grudge against Israel, stemming from the conflict between Jacob and Esau (from whom Edom descended). The Torah emphasizes this historical tension, showing that Edom saw Israel as a threat and was unwilling to show brotherly kindness despite Moshe's peaceful request.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Edom's response in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Edom's harsh refusal highlights the danger of holding onto old grudges. Even though Moshe approached them peacefully (as commanded by Hashem), Edom's suspicion and hostility prevented a peaceful resolution. This teaches us the importance of overcoming past conflicts and seeking reconciliation when possible.
Q: Why didn't Israel fight Edom when they were denied passage?
A: Ramban explains that Hashem had commanded Israel not to provoke war with Edom because they were descendants of Esau, Yaakov's brother. Despite Edom's hostility, Israel was instructed to detour around their land, demonstrating restraint and respect for familial ties, as taught in the Torah.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Israelites' journey?
A: This episode, as discussed in the Talmud (Sotah 46b), was one of several tests the Israelites faced before entering Eretz Yisrael. It reinforced the idea that not all obstacles can be overcome by force—sometimes, patience and alternative paths are necessary, as directed by Divine guidance.