Numbers 20:20

20 And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with many people and with a strong hand.

Numbers 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 20:20

And he said, thou shall not go through
Which is an absolute and peremptory denial:

and Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand;
the king raised the militia of his country, and came at the head of a powerful army to hinder their passing into it; being fearful and jealous, lest such a large body as they were should seize on his country, or spoil it, not relying on their promises; and this might arise also from the old grudge of Esau against Jacob, and which continued in his posterity, and might now be revived upon their going to Canaan to possess the earthly blessing conferred on Jacob and his seed: however, it seems, though the Edomites would not let Israel pass through their country, yet they furnished them with food and drink for their money, ( Deuteronomy 2:28 Deuteronomy 2:29 ) .

Numbers 20:20 In-Context

18 And Edom replied unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me lest I come out against thee with the sword.

19 And the sons of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way; and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it; I will only, without doing anything else, go through on my feet.

20 And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with many people and with a strong hand.

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border; and thus Israel turned away from him.

22 And the sons of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto Mount Hor.