We will pay for the food we eat and the water we drink. All we want to do is to pass through your country,

until we cross the Jordan River into the land that the LORD our God is giving us. The descendants of Esau, who live in Edom, and the Moabites, who live in Ar, allowed us to pass through their territory.'

The people of Israel said, "We will stay on the main road, and if we or our animals drink any of your water, we will pay for it---all we want is to pass through."

"Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.

If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.

You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you.

We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you.