Edom Denies Passage

Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, " this is what your brother Israel says, 'you know of our hardships that have overtaken us. Our fathers went down to Egypt, and we lived in Egypt for many years, but the Egyptians treated us and our fathers badly. When we cried out to The Lord, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the border of your territory. Please let us travel through your land. We won't travel through any field or vineyard, or drink any well water. We will travel the Kings highway; we won't turn left or right until we have travelled through your territory."

But Edom answered him, "You must not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword." Numbers 20:14-18

The Edomites were descendants of Esau and were opposed to the Israelites. Edomites attacked Israel under King Saul but would be defeated by King David. At the fall of the first temple the Edomites attacked Judah and looted the Temple, accelerating its destruction. The Edomites were later forcibly converted to  Judaism by John Hyrcanus, and then became an active part of the Jewish people. Famous Edomites include Herod, who built the second temple.

When you are tired and long distant relatives turn on you, it is not a good day. Yet although Moses entreated the king, he refused, causing the Israelites to go far out of their intended track. We do not see Moses consult The Lord, I wonder what He would have said or done?

Last night I went to a study group and when we were praying I asked for prayer to break through a road block. Various women gave what they felt God was saying but as they orayed I saw he road block, a demon who I knew, we had a confrontation years ago. Then I knew what to do, use the sword of truth and speak the word.

Without the word of God used as a weapon we can be waylaid and hindered. We cannot assume but must know. Knowing comes from God, as He sees all. Amen!