What does Judges 11:17 mean?
"Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh." - Judges 11:17
The verse Judges 11:17 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of Judges, which depicts a tumultuous period in Israel's history when the Israelites were ruled by various judges, or military leaders, rather than a king. The verse refers to a specific incident when the Israelites sought permission to pass through the land of Edom and Moab, but were refused by both kings. This refusal forced the Israelites to stay in Kadesh, a location in the wilderness near the borders of Edom and Moab.
In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is necessary to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. At the time, the Israelites were on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as described in the books of Exodus and Numbers. Their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their lands was a significant event as it hindered the progress of the Israelites and had repercussions for their subsequent actions.
The theme of this verse can be understood in the context of the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land. It highlights the challenges and obstacles they faced along the way, including opposition from neighboring nations. The refusal of the kings of Edom and Moab to allow them passage reflects the theme of resistance and rejection that the Israelites encountered during their journey.
From a symbolic perspective, the refusal of the kings of Edom and Moab to allow the Israelites passage can be seen as a representation of the opposition and adversity that individuals or communities may face when pursuing their goals or fulfilling their destiny. It serves as a reminder that the path towards fulfilling one's purpose is often met with resistance and obstacles, and that perseverance and faith are necessary to overcome such challenges.
Furthermore, the verse also speaks to the theme of divine providence and the sovereignty of God. Despite the obstacles presented by the kings of Edom and Moab, the Israelites were ultimately under the protection and guidance of God. This theme of divine intervention and protection is prevalent throughout the Bible and serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers facing similar challenges in their own lives.
In conclusion, Judges 11:17 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a poignant message about the challenges and obstacles that the Israelites faced during their journey towards the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the theme of resistance and rejection, as well as the themes of perseverance, faith, and divine providence. The refusal of passage by the kings of Edom and Moab serves as a symbolic representation of the opposition and adversity that individuals or communities may encounter in their pursuit of their goals and destiny. Overall, this verse offers valuable insights and lessons that are relevant to believers today, encouraging them to trust in God's guidance and protection as they navigate life's challenges.
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Judges 11:17 Artwork
Judges 11:17 - "Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh."
"Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh." - Judges 11:17
Judges 17:11 - "And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."
"And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons." - Judges 17:11
Judges 17:1 - "And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah."
Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."
Job 12:17 - "He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools."
Judges 8:17 - "And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city."
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."
Judges 17:12 - "And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah."
Judges 21:17 - "And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel."
Judges 3:17 - "And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man."
Judges 2:17 - "And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so."
Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Judges 17:7 - "¶ And there was a young man out of Beth-lehem-judah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there."
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Judges 17:6 - "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Revelation 1:7
Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."
Judges 11:4 - "¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."
Judges 9:17 - "(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:"
Judges 11:27 - "Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."
Judges 10:17 - "Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh."
"And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah." - Judges 17:1
Judges 11:40 - "That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."