Slices
Prepare
Remind yourself of the story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25,27,32,33). The Israelites are the descendants of Jacob, whereas the Edomites are the descendants of Esau.
Bible passage
Edom denies Israel passage
14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying:
‘This is what your brother Israel says: you know about all the hardships that have come on us. 15 Our ancestors went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians ill-treated us and our ancestors, 16 but when we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt.
‘Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. 17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.’
18 But Edom answered:
‘You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.’
19 The Israelites replied:
‘We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot – nothing else.’
20 Again they answered:
‘You may not pass through.’
Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army. 21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.
The death of Aaron
22 The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor. 23 At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 24 ‘Aaron will be gathered to his people. He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah. 25 Call Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor. 26 Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there.’
27 Moses did as the Lord commanded: they went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. 28 Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain, 29 and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, all the Israelites mourned for him thirty days.
Explore
An extract from the memoirs of Pagiel, the eldest son of Okran, an Asherite: We are now so close to the land God promised. I know that, for me, this means there is not much time left before I am gathered to my ancestors and it is making me reflect on the history of our nation.
The quickest way from here into the Promised Land would be to go through the land of Edom. Everyone is keen to go the shortest route possible, and Moses sent a message to the king of Edom, asking for permission to go that way. Moses’ request was turned down, however. Because of the relationship between our two nations, Moses thought this must have been a misunderstanding, so he sent another message, clearly expressing that we would not cause any problem. This time, Edom sent not only a denial of Moses’ request – they sent the army out against us! Still no love lost between these brothers (vs 18–20)!
Aaron died recently and his son Eleazar has taken on his role. Not many of my generation left now. I will soon be passing leadership of my tribe on to my son.
Respond
There are still many conflicts in the world today between different tribes and nations. Ask God to lead you in prayer for a specific situation.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 11,12; Luke 17
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Prince Laryea, Regional Mission Team Leader in the south, who faces a busy season of travel, visiting and encouraging churches. Pray for energy, safe journeys and for new doors to open for mission and ministry among children and young people.
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