Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.
The command to turn northward ended Israel's long encircling stay by the mountain and set the host again in motion toward Canaan. After journeying to the south of Edom, the people were to change direction northward and continue on their way. That northward course pointed them toward and through Edom, which lay on the route to Canaan.
The order signaled that the wilderness wandering was approaching its end and that the promised land was drawing near. Israel was not to force passage but to go through Edom peacefully, buying food and water from its people for the journey. The ceasing of the miraculous supply of water fit this moment, for it indicated that they would soon be traveling through a well-watered country. Instead of murmuring for the provisions of the wilderness, they had reason to trust the promise that provision lay ahead.
The command to turn northward ended Israel's long encircling stay by the mountain and set the host again in motion toward Canaan. After journeying to the south of Edom, the people were to change direction northward and continue on their way. That northward course pointed them toward and through Edom, which lay on the route to Canaan.
The order signaled that the wilderness wandering was approaching its end and that the promised land was drawing near. Israel was not to force passage but to go through Edom peacefully, buying food and water from its people for the journey. The ceasing of the miraculous supply of water fit this moment, for it indicated that they would soon be traveling through a well-watered country. Instead of murmuring for the provisions of the wilderness, they had reason to trust the promise that provision lay ahead.