AVOIDING CONFLICT

The nation of Edom is certainly not unknown or foreign to the people of Israel. The nation of Edom is the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob or Israel. So these two nations are brothers. Esau moved to the mountains of Seir because the land of Canaan was not enough for Esau and Jacob, due to their many possessions (Genesis 36).

When the people of Israel were freed by the Lord from slavery in the land of Egypt to be brought to the land of Canaan, the people of Israel had to travel a long journey in the wilderness. When they were approaching the land of Canaan, they had to pass through the land of Edom, the territory of the descendants of Esau, their brothers. Therefore, Moses sent messengers to ask permission from the king of Edom to allow them to pass through the land of Edom, without damaging or taking anything from the land of Edom. In fact, the people of Israel were willing to pay if they and their livestock drank water in the land of Edom. However, the Edomites refused, did not allow it, and even blocked the Israelites from passing through. The people of Israel did not engage in conflict and war with the Edomites, so they turned away and chose to take another route to the land of Canaan.

In life, we will surely have problems with others. However, not all problems need to be resolved with conflict. Indeed, there are conflicts that cannot be avoided, but there are conflicts that can be avoided even if it requires taking a longer way out. Let us prioritize peace and avoid conflict in solving problems, but not compromise the truth for the sake of peace. --ANT/www.renunganharian.net