Num 20:14 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 20:14-21: 20:14–21:35 Here the Israelites began their trek toward the Promised Land. Moving from Kadesh, they left the Sinai Peninsula behind and entered the area east of the Jordan (Transjordan), approaching the Promised Land from the east by a less direct point of entry (see 14:25 ; cp. Deut 2:2-6 ). Summary for Num 20:14-21: 20:14-21 Israel tried unsuccessfully to establish peaceful relations with Edom , with which it had apparently had no dealings since Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel) buried their father, Isaac (Gen 35:29 ; 36:6-8 ; cp. Gen 32:28 ). Moses’ appeal resembles the formal diplomatic correspondence of that era. While contacts with the Canaanites and other people groups were marked by hostility, communication with Edom was polite because of kinship ties (cp. Deut 2:4 ; 23:7 ). Those ties, however, were apparently not strong enough to overcome the ancient tension between Jacob and Esau (Gen 27:41 ).

a20:14–21:35►

b14:25►

cDeut 2:2-6►

d20:14-21►

eGen 35:29►

f36:6-8►

gGen 32:28►

hDeut 2:4►

i23:7►

jGen 27:41►

‏ Numbers 20:14

Summary for Num 20:14-21: 20:14–21:35 ^a Here the Israelites began their trek toward the Promised Land. Moving from Kadesh, they left the Sinai Peninsula behind and entered the area east of the Jordan (Transjordan), approaching the Promised Land from the east by a less direct point of entry (see 14:25 ^b; cp. Deut 2:2-6 ^c).
Summary for Num 20:14-21: 20:14-21 ^d Israel tried unsuccessfully to establish peaceful relations with Edom, with which it had apparently had no dealings since Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel) buried their father, Isaac (Gen 35:29 ^e; 36:6-8 ^f; cp. Gen 32:28 ^g). Moses’ appeal resembles the formal diplomatic correspondence of that era. While contacts with the Canaanites and other people groups were marked by hostility, communication with Edom was polite because of kinship ties (cp. Deut 2:4 ^h; 23:7 ⁱ). Those ties, however, were apparently not strong enough to overcome the ancient tension between Jacob and Esau (Gen 27:41 ^j).