Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken [thereto]. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not [consent]: and Israel abode in Kadesh.
Ver. 17. Then Israel sent messengers.] Apologies in some cases are very necessary - if not vocal, yet real - to stop an open mouth, and clear up our innocency.