What does Judges 11:17 mean?

'Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, asking for permission to pass through his land, but he refused. They did the same with the king of Moab, and he also said no. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.' Judges 11:17 - Modern Text Bible

(Jephthah explains that Israel tried to avoid conflict, asking for safe passage but being turned down.)