¹⁵ Our ancestors went down to Egypt, where we lived for many^[a] years. But the Egyptians treated us and our ancestors viciously. ¹⁶ Then we cried to the Lord and he heard our voice, sending us a messenger who brought us out of Egypt. Now look! We’ve arrived in Kadesh, a city at the extreme end of your territory. ¹⁷ Permit us now to pass through your land. We won’t pass through your fields or vineyards, and we won’t drink water^[b] from your wells. We’ll keep to the King’s Highway without turning either right or left until we have passed through your territory.’”