Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:17. It’s a pretty dramatic passage about conflict and God’s plan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel is Facing Trouble: Israel was experiencing a really difficult situation – they were in the city of Kadesh, which was essentially a strategic location, and they were being harassed by a powerful group called Edom. Sending Messages: God sent messengers to both Edom and Moab (two neighboring kingdoms) to ask them if they would let Israel pass through their land. Odie’s Refusal: Edom refused, and Moab refused as well. This is the core of the problem – they were not willing to allow Israel to go through their territory. Israel Remains in Kadesh: Ultimately, because both kingdoms didn't agree, Israel was forced to stay in the city of Kadesh. Let’s unpack it a bit further: "Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land..." : This is a plea from Israel – they are asking for permission to go through Edom’s land. "...but the king of Edom would not hearken [thereto]": This is crucial. “Hearken” means to listen or obey. Edom refused to hear Israel's request. It shows a strong, deliberate opposition. "And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not [consent]:" : Similar to the previous point, this means they also sent messengers to Moab. They didn’t agree with their refusal either. Overall Meaning: This verse is a story about God's justice and His plan. It shows that God’s will is absolute and that He won't tolerate defiance or opposition to His plans. It highlights God's power to enforce His laws, even against those who try to defy them. Think of it like this: God is setting a boundary – he wants Israel to stay in a certain place. And because Edom and Moab refused to acknowledge that boundary, God is essentially making it clear that they need to be removed from the area. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Give you some context about the history of these kingdoms?