20:14–20 The Edomites, descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau (Gen. 25:25–34; 27:1–42; 28:5–9; 32:3–33:16; 35:29; 36:1–43), show an unbrotherly attitude toward Israel. Moses made a courteous request of the Edomites, asking permission to go peacefully through their territory, paying the Edomites for anything the travelers might need on the way. Since Israel was not given this permission, and they did not want to fight their way through, they could not reach the Promised Land without first making a long march through a particularly unpleasant part of the wilderness.