Judges 11:17
Judges 11:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel had asked Edom and Moab for safe passage; both refused, so Israel stayed at Kadesh.
What Does Judges 11:17 Mean?
Jephthah continues the record: Israel had courteously asked both Edom and Moab for permission to pass through their lands. Both kings refused, and Israel, respecting their borders, remained at Kadesh rather than forcing its way through.
The detail matters to Jephthah's case. Israel did not seize what was not offered; it asked, was refused, and withdrew. There is a quiet righteousness in a people that honors the boundaries of others even when refused, choosing restraint over aggression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 11:17
What does Judges 11:17 mean?
Israel had asked Edom and Moab for safe passage; both refused, so Israel stayed at Kadesh.