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Numbers 20:22,23,27
And the children of Israel,even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor…

Numbers 33:41
And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

by the way

Numbers 14:25
(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Deuteronomy 1:40
Butas for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

compass

Numbers 20:18-21
And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword…

Deuteronomy 2:5-8
Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esaufor a possession…

Judges 11:18
Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnonwas the border of Moab.

the soul

Numbers 32:7,9
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? …

Exodus 6:9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples,and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

discouraged.

Exodus 6:9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

along the route to the Red Sea
The route to the Red Sea indicates a southern detour, as the Israelites were avoiding the land of Edom. This detour is a result of Edom's refusal to allow passage through their territory (Numbers 20:14-21). The Red Sea, or Yam Suph, is a significant body of water in Israel's history, notably where God parted the waters for their escape from Egypt (Exodus 14). This reference serves as a reminder of God's past deliverance and faithfulness.

in order to bypass the land of Edom
Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, had a longstanding, complex relationship with Israel. The refusal of passage by Edom highlights the ongoing tension and enmity between the two nations. This situation underscores the theme of conflict and the challenges faced by God's people in their journey to the Promised Land.

But the people grew impatient on the journey
The impatience of the Israelites is a recurring theme throughout their wilderness wanderings. It reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and timing. This impatience often leads to complaints and rebellion, as seen in previous instances (Exodus 16,Numbers 11). It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing faith and the importance of perseverance and trust in God's plan.

Mount Hor was the place where Aaron had just died and been buried (Numbers 20:23-29). With the high priest’s death fresh in their minds, Israel once again breaks camp. The cloud of the LORD still guides every move (Exodus 40:36-38), so this departure is not random—it is God-directed, just like every other stage listed inNumbers 33:37-41. The scene reminds us that life with God often involves leaving familiar places behind and trusting His timing (Deuteronomy 10:6).

Key takeaways:

• Obedience means moving when God moves.

• Even the loss of a beloved leader does not halt God’s plan.

• God’s faithfulness in past stages gives confidence for the next step (Psalm 77:11-15).

Instead of pressing straight for Canaan, the nation turns southward toward the body of water they had crossed nearly forty years earlier (Exodus 14:21-29).Deuteronomy 1:40 records God’s clear command: “But you, turn back and set out toward the wilderness by way of the Red Sea”. Though the route seems like a detour, it is a deliberate path chosen by the LORD (Deuteronomy 2:1).

Consider:

• God sometimes leads us on roads that appear to go backward to keep us in His protective will (Exodus 13:17-18).

• Walking a familiar road can refresh memory of past deliverance and stir gratitude (Psalm 106:7-12).

• The Red Sea route underscores that God remains the same miracle-working Redeemer (Malachi 3:6).

Israel had politely asked Edom—descendants of Esau—for passage (Numbers 20:14-21), yet Edom refused and came out armed. Respecting God’s earlier word, “Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land” (Deuteronomy 2:4-6), Moses turns away. The choice models humility and trust: when a door closes, God provides another path (Proverbs 16:9).

Lessons evident here:

• Peaceful disengagement honors the LORD more than needless conflict (Romans 12:18).

• Waiting on God’s timing protects against grasping what He has not granted (Psalm 37:7-9).

• Even detours fit within the precise geography of His promise (Genesis 36:8;Obadiah 1:10-14).

The southward turn is hot, barren, and longer than anyone expected. Instead of recalling God’s prior rescues, the congregation “grew impatient.” Complaining had surfaced before (Exodus 16:2-3;Numbers 11:1-6; 14:1-4); here it rises again, paving the way for the fiery serpents that follow (Numbers 21:5-6).1 Corinthians 10:9-11 warns believers to read this account as an example and avoid the same trap.

Practical applications:

• Impatience flourishes when we magnify discomfort and minimize grace (Philippians 2:14-16).

• Perseverance is cultivated by remembering God’s faithfulness and focusing on His goal (Hebrews 12:1-3).

• Trials become tests of trust; enduring them makes us mature and complete (James 1:2-4).

Numbers 21:4 records more than a travel note; it exposes the tension between God’s perfect leading and human impatience. The LORD steers Israel away from Edom and back toward the Red Sea for their protection and preparation. Every step is purposeful, yet the people’s hearts chafe under adversity. The verse calls readers to trust God’s route, honor His closed doors, and resist the lure of grumbling. His faithfulness in past deliverances guarantees the wisdom of every detour today.