Divine Diplomacy
Parashat Chukat-Balak, Numbers 19:1–25:9
Mary Haller, Tikvat Israel Congregation, Richmond, VA
Our double portion for this week is full of valuable history lessons that continue to be applicable for our lives today. Chukat contains instruction regarding purification rituals in the Red Heifer story. We can also learn from Moses as he initiates some first steps in negotiating principles in his dealings with Edom and Sihon.
As we continue to read and learn from this parasha, Moses’ struggles paint a clear picture of the human condition as it unfolds during the diplomatic process.
Learning from the interactions of ancient Israelites can help us appreciate how the community can either come together in unity with the Creator or experience division and strain when people pursue selfish gain without consideration for the greater good for the community.
Parashat Balak contains the story of the Moabite king who contracts the gentile prophet Balaam to curse the people Israel. Despite all the antics to thwart the Israelites through curses, God’s blessings prevailed.
As I took time to process this parasha, an important lesson stood out to me. This year 2026 has brought many things to the surface. I believe all of us would benefit from understanding the way Moses and the people employed negotiations during their journey across the land. Two different sections of land, two different communities, two different responses from the occupants of the land, and two very different outcomes.
Today we call it diplomacy. It is the lesson that humanity continues to struggle with in a major way. Diplomacy is a peaceful way that sovereign states, governments, and organizations conduct negotiations and build relationships. Through diplomatic processes humans can discuss situations, resolve conflicts through dialogue, and compromise to come to a conclusion that will be mutually beneficial to all involved.
Diplomacy is a process that requires all those involved to pack their patience. Throughout my adult life I have experienced successful negotiations that led to positive results as well as unsuccessful attempts at negotiation that birthed negative results.
For diplomacy to achieve positive results each person involved should enter into the process with the understanding that calm, clear, communication birthed out of kindness is a necessary investment. No matter the number of participants, no matter the reason for the negotiation, whether it is a family situation or a global effort toward peace a foundation of kind words and clarity is imperative.
Let’s see what Moses and the people Israel can teach us from their experiences with diplomacy crossing the land of Edom and Sihon. Initially we see that there are two different situations with two different outcomes.
In Numbers 20, beginning at verse 14, we read Israel’s plea to the king of Edom to cross their territory. Israel negotiates clearly and shows kindness by seeking permission to cross on their road:
“We will not cross through any field or vineyard or drink water from any well. But we will travel on the Kings highway.” Edom’s response follows: “You may not pass through me — or I will march out against you with the sword.” The Israelites respond politely out of kindness, “We will travel on the main road, and if we or our livestock even drink any of your water we will pay its price.” Again Edom responds, “You may not pass through!” (Num 20:17–20).
Edom came out with a show of military force and Israel turned away and proceeded to take the long way around Edom’s territory. In a brief examination one might assume that the negotiations had failed, but perhaps not. Israel presented their need and request, and it was denied. In response to the threat of war Israel made the decision to go another way.
As the journey continued, Israel reached another territory and again tried another attempt at a fair negotiation in a calm format. However, after their long and strenuous journey around Edom tensions were rising due to encounters with other peoples along the way as well as the death of Aaron.
In chapter 21 we read of Israel’s second attempt at diplomacy. Israel approaches the king of Sihon: “Permit us to pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard nor drink water from the wells. We will travel on the king’s highway until we have passed through your territory” (21:22). This is similar to the last negotiation with Edom, yet as we read through the chapter detailing the situation, we see it has very different results. This time Sihon’s entire army marched out to attack Israel. This time Israel did not turn and take another road. They stood and conquered all the land. This begs the question, why? As we read through the chapter we see more battles, and we soon read the reason behind this distinctly different outcome.
Adonai said to Moses, “Do not fear him. I have given him with all his people and his land into your hand.” (Num 21:34-35)
Moses and the people were upfront and clear with their request to cross the lands; they were willing out of kindness and fairness to offer compensation. This shows respect for what was not their own. They employed reasonable negotiation in their attempts at diplomacy.
This is what stood out to me. All we can do at any given time is to be responsible for our part in negotiating our way through life. We present clear intent with kindness and respect and act accordingly. The deeper lesson is the part where we come to know we are not alone. Adonai is with us and will direct our paths. As it was with Israel in the days of old, Adonai will provide when we do our human best to honor him by respecting his creation.