14. Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. He said, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardships we’ve had.
15. Our ancestors went to Egypt, and we lived there for many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors.
16. When we cried out to the Lord, he heard us, sent a messenger, and brought us out of Egypt.“Now we’re here in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.
17. Please let us go through your country. We won’t go through any of your fields or vineyards, or drink any of the water from your wells. We’ll stay on the king’s highway and never leave it until we’ve passed through your territory.”
18. But the Edomites answered, “You may not pass through our country. If you try, we’ll come out and attack you.”
19. The Israelites replied, “We’ll stay on the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we’ll pay for it. We want to pass through on foot. That’s all.”
20. But the Edomites said, “You may not pass through.” Then they came out and attacked with many well-armed troops.
21. Since the Edomites refused to let Israel go through their territory, the Israelites turned around and went a different way.
22. The whole community of Israel left Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.
23. At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
24. “Aaron must now join his ancestors ⌊in death⌋, since he cannot enter the land I’m giving the Israelites. This is because you both rebelled against my command at the oasis of Meribah.
25. Bring Aaron and his son Eleazar up on Mount Hor.