Israel and Edom – Part 1
14 While Moses was at Kadesh, he sent ambassadors to the king of Edom with this message: “This is what your relatives, the people of Israel, say: You know all the hardships we have been through. 15 Our ancestors went down to Egypt, and we lived there a long time, and we and our ancestors were brutally mistreated by the Egyptians. 16 But when we cried out to the Lord, he heard us and sent an angel who brought us out of Egypt. Now we are camped at Kadesh, a town on the border of your land. 17 Please let us travel through your land. We will be careful not to go through your fields and vineyards. We won’t even drink water from your wells. We will stay on the king’s road and never leave it until we have passed through your territory.”
18 But the king of Edom said, “Stay out of my land, or I will meet you with an army!”
Numbers 20:14-18
The Israelites are descendants of Jacob; the Edomites are descendants of Esau. Even though Jacob and Esau were able to restore a brotherly relationship, the following generations took up the old animosity and became enemies. This instance of rejection of the Israelites by the Edomites was the first of many incidents between the two groups. For a time, Israel occupied Edomite land under King David; the Edomites took control of Judah following the Babylonian exile. The primary explanation for their armed conflict was the desire for expansion of territory (ie land). Land continues to be a primary reason for war today.
Have you been impacted by generational conflict? If so, how? Many wars are fought between two related groups with long histories of unresolved conflict. Do you think it is possible to break the cycles of generational mistrust and animosity? If so, how?
Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.
Tongue on Fire 