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Numbers 20: 14-21
So the Israelites reach the city of Kadesh which is occupied by the people of Edom. This presents a dilemma- in order to progress, they have to cross land owned by other people. So Moses sends a letter to the king, hoping, apparently to butter him up.
He writes the letter from Edom's "brother, Israel." You remember us, king. We're pals.
He then gives some exposition that we've heard before. Our ancestors lived in Egypt, the people there weren't very good to us, but God heard us and sent an angel to lead us out. Which brings us to you... see we've come to Kadesh and we know it's your land. So... we're hoping you'd let us skedaddle on through. We promise to keep out of fields and vineyards and we'll keep away from wells. We aren't looking for any kind of handout, we just want a peaceful jaunt through the city. We won't wander off the King's Highway until we pass through your territory. Sincerely, Moe.
Edom's response was less kind. Ummm... nope. If you try, we'll march out with swords. Lasting friendships will not be the result.
So the Israelites tried again.
Look, if our livestock drinks any water- we'll pay for it. This could be great PR for you. All we want is to march through on foot. C'mon, be a pal.
But the response remained, No means no!
So Edom came out with a large army and the Israelites turned away.
My initial reaction here (and perhaps the correct one) is that this is an Israelite mistake. They didn't wait for God and tried to take manners into their own hands. And when things got heated, they forgot the power of their God and backed down. Oh ye of little faith.
And while this may play out in what comes later (I don't remember where this story leads), it may be that this is an opportunity for that rare sighting of Old Testament grace. They could have marched through with trumpets blaring smiting Edomites all willy-nilly. But instead, they attempted a peaceful approach. This wasn't the crusades, it was a way to reach out with the hopes of peace for all involved. And when that wasn't accepted, a retreat to regroup and plan was the next step.
And maybe instead of "standing up for truth" with fire and brimstone on our lips and judgment on our hearts, tactful dialogue aimed at understanding, compromise, and enhanced relationships is a better goal for outreach. All I am saying is give peace a chance.
Since these folks often have God's direct voice, it's easy to assume they always do. Maybe God's silence left confusion as to the way to best approach the situation. And this is Moses improvising. At least, at this point, no one has died in the encounter. I have a feeling God's people won't be denied forever.
Numbers 20: 14-21
So the Israelites reach the city of Kadesh which is occupied by the people of Edom. This presents a dilemma- in order to progress, they have to cross land owned by other people. So Moses sends a letter to the king, hoping, apparently to butter him up.
He writes the letter from Edom's "brother, Israel." You remember us, king. We're pals.
He then gives some exposition that we've heard before. Our ancestors lived in Egypt, the people there weren't very good to us, but God heard us and sent an angel to lead us out. Which brings us to you... see we've come to Kadesh and we know it's your land. So... we're hoping you'd let us skedaddle on through. We promise to keep out of fields and vineyards and we'll keep away from wells. We aren't looking for any kind of handout, we just want a peaceful jaunt through the city. We won't wander off the King's Highway until we pass through your territory. Sincerely, Moe.
Edom's response was less kind. Ummm... nope. If you try, we'll march out with swords. Lasting friendships will not be the result.
So the Israelites tried again.
Look, if our livestock drinks any water- we'll pay for it. This could be great PR for you. All we want is to march through on foot. C'mon, be a pal.
But the response remained, No means no!
So Edom came out with a large army and the Israelites turned away.
My initial reaction here (and perhaps the correct one) is that this is an Israelite mistake. They didn't wait for God and tried to take manners into their own hands. And when things got heated, they forgot the power of their God and backed down. Oh ye of little faith.
And while this may play out in what comes later (I don't remember where this story leads), it may be that this is an opportunity for that rare sighting of Old Testament grace. They could have marched through with trumpets blaring smiting Edomites all willy-nilly. But instead, they attempted a peaceful approach. This wasn't the crusades, it was a way to reach out with the hopes of peace for all involved. And when that wasn't accepted, a retreat to regroup and plan was the next step.
And maybe instead of "standing up for truth" with fire and brimstone on our lips and judgment on our hearts, tactful dialogue aimed at understanding, compromise, and enhanced relationships is a better goal for outreach. All I am saying is give peace a chance.
Since these folks often have God's direct voice, it's easy to assume they always do. Maybe God's silence left confusion as to the way to best approach the situation. And this is Moses improvising. At least, at this point, no one has died in the encounter. I have a feeling God's people won't be denied forever.
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