Numbers 20:14-21 / Humility in Conflict
📖 Scripture
14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come on us.
15 Our ancestors went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors,
16 but when we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. “Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.
17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”
18 But Edom answered: “You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.”
19 The Israelites replied: “We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot—nothing else.”
20 Again they answered: “You may not pass through.” Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army.
21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.
✅ Scripture Summary
✅ Memory verse
✅ Reflection
A Respectful Request (20:14–17)
Moses demonstrates respect in his request to the king of Edom. He refers to Israel as Edom’s brother, as the two nations are distant relatives. He also tries to foster empathy as he recounts Israel’s history of mistreatment from Egypt and God’s favor in saving them from their oppressors. If Israel is granted permission to pass through Edomite territory, Moses promises not to disturb the land or take from its resources. In this request, we see a model of how we are to treat others, especially when they are not members of our community. We should be respectful and explain ourselves well so that others can understand our background and reasoning. Moreover, when making a request, we are to be careful not to take advantage, but be considerate, treating others with the utmost respect.
Consider whom you regard as worthy of the utmost respect. Think about moments when you have disrespected others and why you treated them that way.
Responding to Rejection (20:18–21)
Edom not only denies Moses’s deferential request but also threatens to attack the Israelites if they dare to pass through. The Israelites insist that they will pay for any resources that they may use, but the Edomites reiterate their refusal and send out a massive army to demonstrate their resolve. Even when we offer our respect, others may not respond with kindness and consideration. Sometimes fear or arrogance may prompt them to reject or even attack us. In such moments, we do not have to retaliate. We can simply turn away as Israel did. We can extend God’s grace, confident that He is with us and that, ultimately, His justice will prevail against any ill-treatment we face.
How have you responded to the most recent rejection you faced? Ask God for guidance in how to respond to those who reject or attack you.
“Remember that your chief purpose is to know God, enjoy him, and share his good news with a dark world.”
– Miranda Carls
✅ Prayer
✅ Essay
Godly Hospitality
I did not have the privilege of meeting my great-grandmother, but I have heard impressive stories that reveal much about her character. She was a farmer’s wife in a small rural community in South Korea, but she was known as the consummate hostess. She was the first in her area to purchase a television, and for many weeks, the whole town would come to her home every night to watch the black-and-white programming together. Whenever traveling peddlers would come through the community to sell their products, they would always be invited to her home for a meal and a place to sleep. They would not even need to ask, as Moses did to the king of Edom, for permission to pass through with a promise not to take advantage of any resources. My great-grandmother would freely offer whatever she could give.
In much of the modern world, people often keep to themselves, focusing on their own work, family, and personal challenges with indifference toward those around them. They often do not know their next-door neighbors, let alone those who pass through their communities. I myself have been guilty of such behavior. However, I aim to be more like the woman with whom I share a genetic lineage. I want to model her sense of hospitality, showing love and care not only to my friends and family, but also to those in my neighborhood and those I have only just met.
Written by Ahreum Kim