"Thou shalt not go through," was the answer. Armed bands of Edomites were already posted at the difficult passes, so that any peaceful advance in that direction was impossible, and the Hebrews were forbidden to resort to force. They must make the long journey around the land of Edom.

Du må ikke drage her igennem! var svaret. Bevæbnede skarer af edomitter var allerede opstillet ved de vanskelige pas, så at enhver fredelig fremtrængen i den retning var umulig, og hebræerne havde ikke fået tilladelse til at gribe til magt. De var nødt til at drage den lange vej uden om Edom.