Numbers 20:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom, appealing to their kinship and shared history.
The Context of Numbers 20:14
Moses appeals to Edom for passage, invoking their kinship and Israel's hardships.
What Does Numbers 20:14 Mean?
From Kadesh, Moses dispatches envoys to the king of Edom with a diplomatic request. Moses frames Israel as Edom's 'brother,' referring to the ancient kinship between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (ancestor of Edom). He appeals to shared history and expectation of aid based on family ties.
The request is presented as coming from 'Israel' as a whole people, not just from Moses. This elevates the appeal from personal negotiation to a formal nation-to-nation communication. Moses invokes their common ancestry and the troubles Israel has faced, laying groundwork for a passage request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 20:14
What does Numbers 20:14 mean?
Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom, appealing to their kinship and shared history.
What is the context of Numbers 20:14?
Moses appeals to Edom for passage, invoking their kinship and Israel's hardships.