18 Edom , however, said to him, "You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you." 19 Again, the sons of Israel said to him, "We will go up by the highway , and if I and my livestock do drink any of your water , then I will pay its price . Let me only pass through on my feet , nothing e else." 20 But he said , " You shall not pass through ." And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand . 21 Thus Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory ; so Israel turned away from him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 20:18-21
Commentary on Numbers 20:14-21
(Read Numbers 20:14-21)
The nearest way to Canaan from the place where Israel encamped, was through the country of Edom. The ambassadors who were sent returned with a denial. The Edomites feared to receive damage by the Israelites. And had this numerous army been under any other discipline than that of the righteous God himself, there might have been cause for this jealousy. But Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing; and now the hatred revived, when the blessing was about to be inherited. We must not think it strange, if reasonable requests be denied by unreasonable men, and if those whom God favours be affronted by men.