Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of the Edomites: you know the hardships that we have endured, that our fathers went down into Egypt and that we lived a long time in Egypt but were mistreated. We called on the Lord who sent us an angel to lead us out of Egypt. We are in Kadesh, a city on your border. Let us pass through your country. We do not want to pass through any field or vineyard nor water from your well, we only want to go along the highway. However, Edom said: No, or I will meet you with the sword! If we need water for the cattle we will pay for it. However, Edom said: No! And the Edomites came against them with a huge army. The Israelites escaped them.