Numbers 20:21

21 Since the Edomites refused to let Israel go through their territory, the Israelites turned around and went a different way.

Numbers 20:21 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his country,
&c.] Notwithstanding their near relation to each other, and the fair promises Israel made:

wherefore Israel turned away from him:
patiently bearing the refusal, and not resenting it; being ordered, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it, by the Word of heaven, not to make war with them, because the time was not yet come to take vengeance on Edom by their hands; and to the same purpose the Targum of Jerusalem.

Numbers 20:21 In-Context

19 The Israelites replied, "We'll stay on the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we'll pay for it. We want to pass through on foot. That's all."

20 But the Edomites said, "You may not pass through." Then they came out and attacked with many well-armed troops.

21 Since the Edomites refused to let Israel go through their territory, the Israelites turned around and went a different way.

22 The whole community of Israel left Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.

23 At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,