Numbers 20:17
Amharic Catholic Version (መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ - (ካቶሊካዊ እትም - ኤማሁስ)) No Year
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, the Israelites are asking the king of Edom for permission to pass through his land on their way to the Promised Land. They promise to stay on the main road and avoid causing any trouble or damage. The key message is about seeking permission and respecting others' property.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're on a long trip with your family and need to pass through your neighbor's yard. You ask nicely if you can walk on the sidewalk without stepping on their flowers or playing in their garden. That's what the Israelites are doing here, but on a much bigger scale.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the book of Numbers, written by Moses around 1400 BC. It describes the Israelites' journey after they left Egypt and are now trying to enter the Promised Land. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, are their neighbors, and the culture at the time involved respecting boundaries and property.
Living It Out Today
Today, when you need to pass through someone else's property, it's important to ask for permission and respect their boundaries. For example, if you need to use a shortcut through a neighbor's yard to get to work, ask first and make sure you're not causing any harm.