Numbers 20:16
“When we cried to Yahweh, he heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the edge of your border.”
What does Numbers 20:16 mean?
The Israelites are reminding the king of Edom of their history with God, hoping he'll let them pass through his territory on their way to the promised land. They're essentially saying, "God has been faithful to us before, delivering us from slavery in Egypt, and we're asking you to extend us the same kindness now." It's a plea based on their past experience of God's care and a subtle appeal to the king's sense of honor or compassion. The reminder that God "heard our voice" and sent help points to a God who is present and responsive to his people's desperation, which can comfort us when we're in our own difficult seasons.