“Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative that recounts an event that took place during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, after they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. At this point, the Israelites were seeking passage through the land of Edom, which was located southeast of Canaan.
The Israelites approached the king of Edom and requested permission to pass through their country. In this verse, Moses, speaking on behalf of the Israelites, asked the king of Edom for a peaceful passage along the king’s highway, emphasizing that they would not deviate from the designated route or cause any harm to the land or its resources.
The phrase “we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards” indicates the Israelites’ commitment to respect Edom’s agricultural resources. They were assuring the king that they would not take anything that belonged to the Edomites or damage their crops.
Likewise, the Israelites promised not to drink from the water wells of Edom. This pledge demonstrates their willingness to provide for their own needs without burdening the people of Edom or depleting their water sources.
The Israelites’ intention was to pass through Edom swiftly and peacefully, without causing any disruptions or conflicts. They vowed to stay on the king’s highway, the designated path, without turning to the right or left until they had crossed the borders of Edom.
However, it is important to note that the king of Edom refused the Israelites’ request for passage, which led to a tense situation between the two groups. The Israelites had to find an alternative route to continue their journey, as Edom’s denial forced them to circumvent the land of Edom.
In summary, Numbers 20:17 captures Moses’ plea to the king of Edom, presenting the Israelites’ request for peaceful passage through their land, promising not to disrupt their fields, vineyards, or water sources. The verse highlights the Israelites’ desire to respect the sovereignty and property of the Edomites, seeking a conflict-free route to their intended destination.
