They sent messengers to the king of Edom requesting permission to go through his land, but the king of Edom refused. They also asked the king of Moab, but he too would not cooperate. So the Israelites were forced to remain at Kadesh.
Do you think you’re stronger than Moab’s king Balak son of Zippor? He never challenged Israel over disputed land, did he? Did he ever go to war against us?