When Israel came from Egypt, the Edomites and Moabites lived in the land south of the disputed area. Israel on its journey was careful to respect the territorial boundaries of Edom and Moab. They asked permission of the kings of Edom and Moab to pass through their lands.
17 Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh.