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

Numbers 20:20 - במדבר 20:20

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא תַעֲבֹר וַיֵּצֵא אֱדוֹם לִקְרָאתוֹ בְּעַם כָּבֵד וּבְיָד חֲזָקָה׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vayomer lo ta'avor vayetze Edom likrato b'am kaved uvyad chazaka.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א תַעֲבֹ֑ר וַיֵּצֵ֤א אֱדוֹם֙ לִקְרָאת֔וֹ בְּעַ֥ם כָּבֵ֖ד וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א תַעֲבֹ֑ר וַיֵּצֵ֤א אֱדוֹם֙ לִקְרָאת֔וֹ בְּעַ֥ם כָּבֵ֖ד וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 20:18) describes the encounter between Bnei Yisrael and Edom (descendants of Esav) as they sought passage through their land during their journey toward Eretz Yisrael. Edom's refusal and hostile response are significant in understanding the historical and spiritual tensions between these nations.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Edom's refusal ("Lo ta'avor—Thou shalt not go through") was a violation of the natural kinship obligation, as Yaakov and Esav were brothers. Despite Moshe's peaceful request (Bamidbar 20:14-17), Edom responded with aggression, demonstrating their enduring hatred (Rashi on Bamidbar 20:18, citing Tanchuma).

Rambam's Perspective on Diplomacy

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1-5) discusses the laws of war, emphasizing that Bnei Yisrael were commanded to first seek peace before engaging in conflict. Moshe's approach to Edom aligns with this principle—he sent messengers requesting peaceful passage (Bamidbar 20:14-17), fulfilling the mitzvah of "deracheha darchei noam" (her ways are pleasant).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 19:16) highlights the irony of Edom's hostility: Esav had once sold his birthright willingly, yet his descendants now barred Yaakov's children from passing through their land.
  • Tanchuma (Chukat 5) notes that Edom's "strong hand" (yad chazakah) symbolizes their misplaced pride, contrasting with Hashem's "strong hand" in redeeming Bnei Yisrael from Egypt.

Halachic Implications

The Chazon Ish (Emunah U'Bitachon 1:5) derives from this episode that even when facing unjust hostility, Bnei Yisrael were forbidden to wage war against Edom due to Hashem's command (Devarim 2:4-5). This teaches the importance of divine providence in national interactions.

Symbolism of Edom

In later Jewish thought (e.g., Malbim on Ovadiah 1:1), Edom represents oppressive forces in exile. Their refusal here foreshadows historical conflicts, reinforcing the idea that the struggle between Yaakov and Esav persists through their descendants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 20:20 mean when it says Edom came out with 'a strong hand'?
A: The phrase 'a strong hand' (בְּיָד חֲזָקָה) means that Edom came out with military force and readiness to fight. Rashi explains that this shows Edom's hostility and refusal to allow the Israelites to pass peacefully through their land, despite Moshe's diplomatic request (Numbers 20:14-17).
Q: Why did Edom refuse to let Israel pass through their land?
A: According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16), Edom's refusal stemmed from longstanding hostility due to the historical rivalry between Yaakov (Israel) and Esav (Edom). The Ramban adds that Edom feared Israel might conquer their land, even though Moshe promised to only pass through peacefully (Numbers 20:17).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Israel's response to Edom's refusal?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 49a) teaches that Israel demonstrated restraint by not attacking Edom, as Hashem had commanded them not to provoke war with Edom (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). This teaches the importance of following divine commandments even when facing hostility.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish history?
A: This event foreshadowed the difficult relationship between Israel and Edom (later identified with Rome and other enemies of the Jewish people). The Midrash (Eichah Rabbah 1:45) connects Edom's hostility here with later persecutions of the Jewish people.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah's narrative?
A: This verse is significant because it shows the challenges Israel faced entering the Promised Land. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) notes that Israel's peaceful approach to Edom established an important precedent for how nations should attempt peaceful solutions before considering war.