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Numbers 21:4

King James Version (KJV)

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— D.L. Moody

Numbers 21:4

Verse 4 of 35

Scripture focus

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Numbers 21:4 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 21:4

Theological / Devotional

Way of the Red Sea. A detour was made necessary because they had been denied passage through Edom. They were now on their journey to Ezion-geber (Deut. 2:8), with their backs toward the Holy Land. For encampments between Kadesh and the region of Moab see Num. 33:41-44.

Israel’s route of march led southward through the ‘Araba to the southern border of Edom, and thence eastward. Finally, turning northward, they passed to the east of both Edom and Moab (PP 428, 433; see note on p. 577).

Because of the way. Literally, “on the way.” There were a number of discouraging factors. The part of the country through which they were traveling, the Arabah, is a barren plain strewn with stones and sand, and usually hot and dry. In addition, they realized they were marching with their backs turned to Canaan, instead of entering it.

By SdaBc