Numbers 21:22
““Let me pass through your land. We will not turn away into field or vineyard. We will not drink of the water of the wells. We will go by the king’s highway, until we have passed your border.””
What does Numbers 21:22 mean?
The Israelites are asking permission from the king of Edom to pass through his territory on their journey toward the Promised Land. They're making a respectful promise: we won't help ourselves to your crops, your water, or anything else, we'll simply stick to the main road and move straight through. This request shows the Israelites trying to be good neighbors, at least in their own minds, by offering terms that would cause minimal disruption. It's a reminder that even when we're in a hurry or eager to reach our goals, showing consideration for others and asking permission rather than taking what we want matters. The king refused them anyway (which is why this verse is here), but the Israelites' attempt to negotiate respectfully tells us something about how they understood living alongside others, even strangers.