Numbers 21:22
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
«دَعْنَا نَجْتَزْ فِي أَرْضِكَ، فَلاَ نَمِيلُ إِلَى حَقْلٍ وَلاَ إِلَى كَرْمٍ، وَلاَ نَشْرَبُ مَاءَ بِئْرٍ، بَلْ نَسِيرُ فِي الطَّرِيقِ الْعَامَّةِ الْمُخَصَّصَةِ لِلسَّفَرِ حَتَّى نَعْبُرَ حُدُودَكَ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, the Israelites ask the king of Edom for permission to pass through his land. They promise not to cause any trouble by staying on the main road and not using any resources like food, water, or shelter from the land.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're on a long road trip with your family, and you need to go through a friend's backyard. You ask your friend if you can walk through it, and you promise not to step on their flowers or use their water. That's what the Israelites are doing here, but with a king's land instead of a friend's backyard.
Historical Background
The Book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. This verse is part of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The cultural setting is that of ancient Middle Eastern kingdoms where permission to travel through a ruler's territory was a significant request.
Living It Out Today
This verse teaches us about the importance of respecting others' property and boundaries. In modern times, this could mean asking for permission before using someone's space or resources, like borrowing a tool or using a neighbor's driveway for a party.
Topics
respectboundariesjourneypermissiontravelpromise
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites want to pass through Edom's land?
The Israelites wanted to pass through Edom's land as part of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, avoiding conflict and using the main roads to minimize disruption.
What was the king's response?
The Bible does not directly state the king of Edom's response in this verse, but from the context of the Book of Numbers, the king of Edom denied the Israelites passage.
Why is the 'king's high way' mentioned?
The 'king's high way' refers to a main thoroughfare that was usually well-maintained and often used by official or royal travelers. Mentioning it shows the Israelites' intent to be respectful and avoid causing any trouble.
What does this teach us about asking for permission?
This verse teaches us the importance of asking for permission before using someone else's property, showing respect and consideration for others' boundaries and resources.