Numbers 20:18

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَقَالَ مَلِكُ أدُومَ لَهُمْ: «لَا أسمَحُ لَكُمْ بِالمُرُورِ فِي أرْضِي، فَإنْ حَاوَلْتُمْ عَمَلَ ذَلِكَ، فَإنَّنَا سَنَخرُجُ وَنُقَاوِمُكُمْ بِالسُّيُوفِ.»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Edom tells Israel that they cannot pass through Edom's land because Edom fears they will come out to fight. Edom speaks to Israel, expressing their fear and refusal of passage.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite toy, and your friend wants to borrow it. But you're worried that if you let them play with it, they might break it or not give it back. So, you tell them they can't use your toy. That's kind of like what Edom did to Israel here.

Historical Background

The book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. It records the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This verse reflects the tension between Israel and the neighboring Edomites, who were descendants of Esau.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might see this verse as a reminder about setting boundaries and respecting others' concerns. For example, if a friend asks to use your car, but you're worried they might damage it, it's okay to say no and explain why.

Topics

• boundaries
• fear
• conflict
• neighboring nations
• obedience
• trust

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 2:4
• Genesis 36:1
• Psalms 60:8
• Ezekiel 25:12
• Obadiah 1:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Edom afraid of Israel?

Edom was afraid of Israel because they were a larger and more powerful group, and Edom feared conflict or invasion.

How does this verse relate to setting boundaries?

This verse shows that it's okay to set boundaries and say no when you're afraid of negative consequences, like conflict or harm.

What can we learn about conflict resolution from this verse?

We can learn that refusing passage or requests can escalate conflicts, but also that respecting others' fears and boundaries is important.

How does this relate to trust between nations or people?

It shows how lack of trust can create barriers and conflicts, highlighting the importance of building trust and understanding between different groups.