Números 21
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 21
Morris - The bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8,9) was originally a symbol of sin judged and salvation given. Once it had served its purpose, however, it should have been abandoned. Instead it eventually became an idol. This is the danger involved in too much emphasis on symbols rather than the realities they are intended to represent. Although this is only one of at least 40 miracles during the exodus and wilderness wanderings, it is esp important as a prophecy of the coming work of Christ on the cross. Sin, symbolized by the serpent, must be put to death. This death must be appropriated in faith as his own deserved death by the sinner, if he would live. Even so, Jesus Christ was made "to be sin for us" (2Co 5:21). How many ways our merciful God has painted the picture of the "small gate & the narrow way" that lead to salvation & yet most chose the gate that is wide & the way that is broad which tragically leads to destruction (eternal death). (Mt 7:13,14+). On a stormy winter night C H Spurgeon the greatest non-Biblical preacher and writer in history was saved from the "serpent's bite" by looking! The verse that God's Spirit used to save him was in Isaiah which in the King James Version says... Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.(Isaiah 45:22) THOUGHT - This begs the question of you dear reader - have you looked to Jesus and to Him alone (not your "good works") for salvation from the "serpent's bite?" If not, consider the look what will change your life forever and ever just as it did Charles Haddon Spurgeon (Read his wonderful testimony). And for us who are by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9+) "immunized" from the eternally fatal effects of "sin virus" inherited from Adam (Ro 5:12+), are we continually looking to Jesus, continually "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2+). And Who is coming again (soon) to take us home to be with Him forever and ever. Amen and amen! The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible writes that typology is the "Branch of biblical interpretation in which an element found in the OT prefigures one found in the NT. The initial one is called the type and the fulfillment is designated the antitype (see Gk antitupon). Either type or antitype may be a person, thing, or event, but often the type is Messianic and frequently refers to salvation. In working with types, the safest procedure is to limit them to those expressly mentioned in the Bible (cf. 1Cor 4:6). On the other hand, it is argued that such an approach limits the legitimate use of types, for some obvious types are not mentioned in the NT. Further, the types given in the NT are examples which demonstrate how to find others in the OT. Some examples may serve to identify some biblical types and antitypes: Jesus said to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (Jn 3:14; cf. Nu 21:9)" Related Resources: Discussion of Biblical Typology with cautions against abuse What is biblical typology? | GotQuestions.org Comments On the New Testament Use of This Picture by the Lord Jesus Himself (John 3:14-15+)...
Números 21
Morris - It is difficult to trace the various moves of the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness. The itineraries in Numbers 21 and Numbers 33, for example, seem impossible to correlate in any detail. It must be remembered, however, that the Israelite nation consisted of several million people plus all their cattle, horses and equipment. They must have been scattered over a large area of the wilderness in order to have pasturage for their flocks and herds. It is possible that much of the moving described in the Mosaic records refers mainly to moving the tabernacle and its attendants (along with Moses)--perhaps making a circuit among the various tribal encampments. Related Resource: Holman Bible Dictionary - Brook of Zered - Also called “valley of Zered.” The Israelites crossed this book marking an end to their wilderness wandering and entrance into the Promised Land (Numbers 21:12 ; Deuteronomy 2:13-14). It is usually identified with modern wadi el-Hesa which flows into the southeast end of the Dead Sea. The wadi is about 35 miles long and forms the boundary between Moab and Edom. The Brook of Zered is the same as the Brook of the Willows (Isaiah 15:7 ), the dry stream bed of 2 Kings 3:16 (see 2 Kings 3:22 ), and perhaps the same as the Brook of the Arabah (Amos 6:14 ), though see Brook of the Arabah . The Jewish Encyclopedia Zered, Brook One of the stations of the Israelites in the wilderness, indicated as the end of the thirty-eighth year of wandering (Numbers 21:12 Deuteronomy 2:13-14 ). The Targum of pseudo-Jonathan renders the name by "valley where willows grow," and thus apparently etymologizes it by the Talmudic , which is confirmed by the Septuagint reading Ζ ά ρ ε τ . The location of Zered is given as east of the Jordan on the border between Moab and Edom before one crosses the River Arnon. Fausset's Bible Dictionary - ZARED or ZERED (more accurately), VALLEY OF; or brook or watercourse of (Numbers 21:12; Deuteronomy 2:13-14). Running into the Dead Sea at the S.E. corner: the boundary between the districts of Jebal and Kerek: now wady el Ahsy, between Moab and Edom (Robinson Bib. Res., 2:157), containing a hot spring called by the Arabs "the bath of Solomon." The limit of Israel's wandering; marking the time of the wilderness sojourn on one side as Kadesh did on the other.The Speaker's Commentary identifies it with wady Ain Franjy, the main upper branch of wady Kerak; the first western brook that crossed Israel's line of march. So the name marked an era in their progress; and the summons to cross it is noted in Deuteronomy 2:13-14. Zered means "osier"; and wady Safsaf, "Willows Brook", is given to the tributary joining wady ain Franjy below Kerak. (See WILLOWS BROOK.) All the generation of the men of war had passed away by the time they reached Zared, fulfilling Numbers 14:23, that none of them should see the land. From the high ground on the other side of Zared (if wady Kerak) a distant view of the promised land and even of Jerusalem might be obtained. Numbers 21:13 From there they journeyed and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. BGT Numbers 21:13 καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἀπάραντες παρενέβαλον εἰς τὸ πέραν Αρνων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τὸ ἐξέχον ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων τῶν Αμορραίων ἔστιν γὰρ Αρνων ὅρια Μωαβ ἀνὰ μέσον Μωαβ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ Αμορραίου NET Numbers 21:13 From there they moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends from the regions of the Amorites, for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. NLT Numbers 21:13 Then they moved out and camped on the far side of the Arnon River, in the wilderness adjacent to the territory of the Amorites. The Arnon is the boundary line between the Moabites and the Amorites. ESV Numbers 21:13 From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. NIV Numbers 21:13 They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which is in the desert extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. KJV Numbers 21:13 From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. YLT Numbers 21:13 From thence they have journeyed, and encamp beyond Arnon, which is in the wilderness which is coming out of the border of the Amorite, for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorite; LXE Numbers 21:13 And they departed thence and encamped on the other side of Arnon in the wilderness, the country which extends from the coasts of the Amorites; for Arnon is the borders of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. ASV Numbers 21:13 From thence they journeyed, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, that cometh out of the border of the Amorites: for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. CSB Numbers 21:13 They set out from there and camped on the other side of the Arnon River, in the wilderness that extends from the Amorite border, because the Arnon was the Moabite border between Moab and the Amorites. NKJ Numbers 21:13 From there they moved and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites; for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. NRS Numbers 21:13 From there they set out, and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends from the boundary of the Amorites; for the Arnon is the boundary of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. NAB Numbers 21:13 Setting out from there, they encamped on the other side of the Arnon, in the desert that extends from the territory of the Amorites; for the Arnon forms Moab's boundary with the Amorites. NJB Numbers 21:13 They set out from there and camped on the other side of the Arnon. This gorge in the desert begins in the territory of the Amorites. For the Arnon is the frontier of Moab, between the Moabites and the Amorites. GWN Numbers 21:13 They moved from there and set up camp on the other side of the Arnon Valley in the desert that extends into Amorite territory. (The Arnon Valley is the border between Moab and the Amorites.) Nu 21:14 22:36 De 2:24 Jdg 11:18 Isa 16:2 Jer 48:20 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Arnon River Marking Northern Border of Moab - Click to Enlarge From there they journeyed and camped on the other side of the Arnon Which is in the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. - NRSV "and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends from the boundary of the Amorites; for the Arnon is the boundary of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites." If you compare with the map of above locating Zered, you can see that Israel was moving progressively northward. The Arnon had a deep canyon which effectively served as Moab's northern boundary. As noted above, Wadi Zered apparently marked the southern boundary of Moab. The Arnon River would eventually mark the southern border of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben (Dt 3:8, 16; Josh 13:16) Question: Who were the Amorites? Answer: The Amorites were an ancient nation mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. They were descended from one of the sons of Canaan (Genesis 10:15–16). In early inscriptions, the Amorites were also known as Amurra or Amurri. The “land of the Amorites” included Syria and Israel. Some of the southern mountains of Judea were also called the hill country of the Amorites (Deuteronomy 1:7, 19-20). Two kings of the Amorites named Sihon and Og were defeated by the Israelites under Moses’ leadership (Deuteronomy 31:4). In Joshua 10:10, five Amorite kings were defeated by the people of Israel, and the victory was decisively won in Joshua 11:8. In the time of Samuel, peace existed between Israel and the Amorites (1 Samuel 7:14). Less than a century later, King Solomon forced the remaining Amorites into slavery: “All the people who were left of the Amorites . . . who were not of the people of Israel—their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction—these Solomon drafted to be slaves” (1 Kings 9:20-21). The Amorites are last mentioned in Amos 2:10. It is assumed they either died out or were absorbed into the culture of Israel. The Amorites were known as fierce warriors during their prime. Moses referred to Og, the king of the Amorites, as a very tall man whose bed was approximately 13.5 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11). Despite their strong numbers and military might, the Amorites were destroyed due to their worship of false gods. Israel’s conquest of their land was part of God’s judgment on the pagan Amorite culture. Here are a couple lessons to learn from the Amorites: First, only the one, true God is worthy of worship. The idols of the Amorites and the false gods they represent cannot compete with the omnipotent God of Israel. Also, God gives nations opportunity to repent before judgment (2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 2:20-21). The Amorite nation had plenty of time to turn from their idolatry, but they despised God’s goodness and longsuffering and refused to repent (Romans 2:4). The Lord’s judgment upon them was severe, and anyone who imitates their rebellion will eternally regret it (Romans 2:5; Matthew 10:28; Revelation 2:22-23).GotQuestions.org Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, BGT Numbers 21:14 διὰ τοῦτο λέγεται ἐν βιβλίῳ πόλεμος τοῦ κυρίου τὴν Ζωοβ ἐφλόγισεν καὶ τοὺς χειμάρρους Αρνων NET Numbers 21:14 This is why it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah and the wadis, the Arnon NLT Numbers 21:14 For this reason The Book of the Wars of the LORD speaks of "the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the ravines of the Arnon River, ESV Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon, NIV Numbers 21:14 That is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD says:"... Waheb in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon KJV Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, YLT Numbers 21:14 therefore it is said in a book, 'The wars of Jehovah,' -- 'Waheb in Suphah, And the brooks of Arnon; LXE Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is said in a book, A war of the Lord has set on fire Zoob, and the brooks of Arnon. ASV Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Jehovah, Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of the Arnon, CSB Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is stated in the Book of the LORD's Wars: Waheb in Suphah and the ravines of the Arnon, NKJ Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: "Waheb in Suphah, The brooks of the Arnon, NRS Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah and the wadis. The Arnon NAB Numbers 21:14 Hence it is said in the "Book of the Wars of the LORD": "Waheb in Suphah and the wadies, NJB Numbers 21:14 That is why it says in the Book of the Wars of Yahweh: '. . .Waheb near Suphah and the gorges of the Arnon GWN Numbers 21:14 This is how it's described in the Book of the Wars of the LORD:"... Waheb in Suphah and the valleys, in the book: Jos 10:13 2Sa 1:18 What he did: or, Vaheb in Suphah, The following seems to be the sense of this passage: "From Vaheb in Suphah, and the torrents of Arnon, even the effusion of the torrents, which goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth for the boundary of Moab; even from thence to the well; (which is the well of which Jehovah spake unto Moses, Gather the people, and I will give them water. Then sang Israel this song: Spring up, O Well! Answer ye to it. The well, princes digged it; even nobles of the people digged it, by a decree, upon their borders;) and from the wilderness (or the well, as in LXX.) to Mattanah; and from Mattanah," etc. The whole of this, from ver. 14-20, is a fragment from "the book of the wars of Jehovah," probably a book of remembrances or directions written by Moses for the use of Joshua, and describes the several boundaries of the land of Moab. This rendering removes every obscurity, and obviates every difficulty. Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD - There is no other mention of this book in Scripture. Boyd on he Book of the Wars of the LORD - A work quoted in Numbers 21:14 f. to settle a point with regard to the boundary of Moab and Ammon. The quotations in Numbers 21:17-18 ; Numbers 21:27-30 are probably from the same original. This is the only mention of the book in the OT. It is not likely that the work is identical with the Book of Jashar . It probably consisted of a collection of songs celebrating the victories of Israel over their neighbours. The song in Exodus 15:1-19 describing the Lord as ‘a man of war’ has been thought to be derived from it. The date of the work is unknown. As it deals with the heroic age, it likely originated in the period immediately following, and it has been dated in the reign of Omri (Stade), and by others as early as the time of David or Solomon. If Numbers 21:27-30 refer to the wars of Omri, we must regard the work as a product of the N. kingdom. (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible) Related Resources: Easton's Bible Dictionary Wars of the Lord, the Book of the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Wars of Yahweh (the Lord), Book of the McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Wars of the Lord, Book of The Book of the Wars of the Lord. (2) Book of the Wars of the Lor The Jewish Encyclopedia Wars of the Lord, Book of the Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, NET NOTE - The ancient versions show a wide variation here: Smr has “Waheb on the Sea of Reeds,” the Greek version has “he has set Zoob on fire and the torrents of Arnon.” Several modern versions treat the first line literally, taking the two main words as place names: Waheb and Suphah. This seems most likely, but then there would then be no subject or verb. One would need something like “the Israelites marched through.” The KJV, following the Vulgate, made the first word a verb and read the second as “Red Sea”—“what he did in the Red Sea.” But subject of the passage is the terrain. D. L. Christensen proposed emending the first part from אֶת וָהֵב (’et vahev) to אַתָּה יְהוָה (’attah yehvah, “the LORD came”). But this is subjective. See his article “Num 21:14–15 and the Book of the Wars of Yahweh,” CBQ 36 (1974): 359–60. Question: What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? Answer: The Book of the Wars of the Lord is a book referred to in Scripture but now lost to us. The only information we have about the Book of the Wars of the Lord is what is found in one passage of Scripture. The way it is mentioned in Scripture would indicate that it was somewhat well-known or accessible to the people of ancient Israel. Such “lost books” are not uncommon, because very few ancient books have survived to the present day. Given the impermanency of most ancient writings, it is a testament to the miracle of Scripture that the books of the Bible have done more than survive—there are so many ancient copies that we can, with great certainty, discern what the originals said. The biblical passage that mentions the Book of the Wars of the Lord concerns the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land: “The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth. Then they set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Abarim, in the wilderness that faces Moab toward the sunrise. From there they moved on and camped in the Zered Valley. They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which is in the wilderness extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. That is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD says: ‘. . . Zahab in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon and the slopes of the ravines that lead to the settlement of Ar and lie along the border of Moab’” (Numbers 21:10–15). According to Numbers 21, Israel was careful to stay out of Edomite, Moabite, and Amorite territory, camping along the Arnon River. Edom was descended from Esau, and Moab from Lot; these were not part of the Canaanite people that Israel was supposed to destroy. In Numbers 20, Moses had requested permission to pass through the land of Edom, since it was a more direct route to the land of Canaan. Edom refused permission and mustered an army to keep Israel out, but Israel simply withdrew and traveled another direction. Ancient borders were often a source of contention, and Israel was very careful to stay out of Moabite territory. Moses sent messengers to King Sihon of the Amorites, requesting passage through their territory, promising, “We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory” (Numbers 21:22). However, Sihon refused to allow the Israelites into his land and mustered the Amorite army against Israel. By the power of the Lord, the Israelites defeated the Amorites and camped in their territory (verses 23–26). If the citation of “the poets” in verse 27 is a reference to the authors of the Book of the Wars of the Lord, then another passage from that book is used to poetically relate the overthrow of the Amorite kingdom (verses 27–30). From the title, “The Book of the Wars of the Lord,” some assume that this was a book about battles in which the Lord fought or perhaps were fought on His behalf; and it may have been just such a book. However, Hebrew books were often named by the first word or phrase in the book and were not a summary of the book’s contents. For instance the book of Exodus is called Shemot in Hebrew, which means “names.” The book of Exodus begins, “These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob.” Thus, the title of an ancient book might tell very little about the content of the book. In summary, we know little about the Book of the Wars of the Lord, but we may assume that this ancient work documented geographical boundaries between nations and possibly related poetic descriptions of particular battles. It is even possible that the Moabites may have known about the Book of the Wars of the Lord. In any case, the work is cited in Numbers to help substantiate the claim that Israel did not encroach on Moabite territory.GotQuestions.org Numbers 21:15 And the slope of the wadis That extends to the site of Ar, And leans to the border of Moab." BGT Numbers 21:15 καὶ τοὺς χειμάρρους κατέστησεν κατοικίσαι Ηρ καὶ πρόσκειται τοῖς ὁρίοις Μωαβ NET Numbers 21:15 and the slope of the valleys that extends to the dwelling of Ar, and falls off at the border of Moab." NLT Numbers 21:15 and the ravines that extend as far as the settlement of Ar on the border of Moab." ESV Numbers 21:15 and the slope of the valleys that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans to the border of Moab." NIV Numbers 21:15 and the slopes of the ravines that lead to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab." KJV Numbers 21:15 And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. YLT Numbers 21:15 And the spring of the brooks, Which turned aside to the dwelling of Ar, And hath leaned to the border of Moab.' LXE Numbers 21:15 And he has appointed brooks to cause Er to dwell there; and it lies near to the coasts of Moab. ASV Numbers 21:15 And the slope of the valleys That inclineth toward the dwelling of Ar, And leaneth upon the border of Moab. CSB Numbers 21:15 even the slopes of the ravines that extend to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab. NKJ Numbers 21:15 And the slope of the brooks That reaches to the dwelling of Ar, And lies on the border of Moab." NRS Numbers 21:15 and the slopes of the wadis that extend to the seat of Ar, and lie along the border of Moab." NAB Numbers 21:15 Arnon and the wadi gorges That reach back toward the site of Ar and slant to the border of Moab." NJB Numbers 21:15 and the slope of the ravine running down to the site of Ar and over against the frontier of Moab.' GWN Numbers 21:15 Arnon and the slopes of the valleys that go down to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab...." Ar: Nu 21:28 De 2:9,18,29 Isa 15:1 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And the slope of the wadis That extends to the site of Ar, And leans to the border of Moab NET NOTE on Ar - The place is unknown; it is apparently an important city in the region. Numbers 21:16 From there they continued to Beer, that is the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Assemble the people, that I may give them water." BGT Numbers 21:16 καὶ ἐκεῖθεν τὸ φρέαρ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ φρέαρ ὃ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν συνάγαγε τὸν λαόν καὶ δώσω αὐτοῖς ὕδωρ πιεῖν NET Numbers 21:16 And from there they traveled to Beer; that is the well where the LORD spoke to Moses, "Gather the people and I will give them water." NLT Numbers 21:16 From there the Israelites traveled to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Assemble the people, and I will give them water." ESV Numbers 21:16 And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together, so that I may give them water." NIV Numbers 21:16 From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water." KJV Numbers 21:16 And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. YLT Numbers 21:16 And from thence they journeyed to Beer; it is the well concerning which Jehovah said to Moses, 'Gather the people, and I give to them -- water.' LXE Numbers 21:16 And thence they came to the well; this is the well of which the Lord said to Moses, Gather the people, and I will give them water to drink. ASV Numbers 21:16 And from thence they journeyed to Beer: that is the well whereof Jehovah said unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. CSB Numbers 21:16 From there they went to Beer, the well the LORD told Moses about, "Gather the people so I may give them water." NKJ Numbers 21:16 From there they went to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together, and I will give them water." NRS Numbers 21:16 From there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together, and I will give them water." NAB Numbers 21:16 From there they went to Beer, where there was the well of which the LORD said to Moses, "Bring the people together, and I will give them water." NJB Numbers 21:16 And from there they went to Beer, that being the well in connection with which Yahweh had said to Moses, 'Call the people together and I will give them water.' GWN Numbers 21:16 From there they went to Beer Well. This is the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people, and I will give them water." Beer: Jdg 9:21 Gather: Nu 20:8 Ex 17:6 Isa 12:3 41:17,18 43:20 49:10 Joh 4:10,14 Joh 7:37-39 Rev 21:6 22:1,17 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From there they continued to Beer, that is the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Assemble the people, that I may give them water Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well! Sing to it! BGT Numbers 21:17 τότε ᾖσεν Ισραηλ τὸ ᾆσμα τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ φρέατος ἐξάρχετε αὐτῷ NET Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well, sing to it! NLT Numbers 21:17 There the Israelites sang this song: "Spring up, O well! Yes, sing its praises! ESV Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well!-- Sing to it!-- NIV Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well! Sing about it, KJV Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: YLT Numbers 21:17 Then singeth Israel this song, concerning the well -- they have answered to it: LXE Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song at the well, Begin to sing of the well; ASV Numbers 21:17 Then sang Israel this song: Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: CSB Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: Spring up, well-- sing to it! NKJ Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well! All of you sing to it-- NRS Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well!-- Sing to it!-- NAB Numbers 21:17 Then it was that Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well!-- so sing to it-- NJB Numbers 21:17 Then it was that Israel sang this song: Spring up, well! Sing out for the well, GWN Numbers 21:17 Then Israel sang this song about the well: "Make your water spring up! Sing to the well, sang: Ex 15:1,2 Jdg 5:1 Ps 105:2 106:12 Isa 12:1,2,5 Jas 5:13 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well! Sing to it! Spring Up, O Well I've got a river of life flowing out of me Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, Opens prison doors, sets the captives free. I've got a river of life flowing out of me. Spring up, O well, within my soul. Spring up, O well, and make me whole Spring up, O well, and give to me That life abundantly Numbers 21:18 "The well, which the leaders sank, Which the nobles of the people dug, With the scepter and with their staffs." And from the wilderness they continued to Mattanah, BGT Numbers 21:18 φρέαρ ὤρυξαν αὐτὸ ἄρχοντες ἐξελατόμησαν αὐτὸ βασιλεῖς ἐθνῶν ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτῶν ἐν τῷ κυριεῦσαι αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπὸ φρέατος εἰς Μανθαναιν NET Numbers 21:18 The well which the princes dug, which the leaders of the people opened with their scepters and their staffs." And from the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah; NLT Numbers 21:18 Sing of this well, which princes dug, which great leaders hollowed out with their scepters and staffs." Then the Israelites left the wilderness and proceeded on through Mattanah, ESV Numbers 21:18 the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs." And from the wilderness they went on to Mattanah, NIV Numbers 21:18 about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank-- the nobles with scepters and staffs." Then they went from the desert to Mattanah, KJV Numbers 21:18 The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah: YLT Numbers 21:18 'A well -- digged it have princes, Prepared it have nobles of the people, With the lawgiver, with their staves.' And from the wilderness they journeyed to Mattanah, LXE Numbers 21:18 the princes digged it, the kings of the nations in their kingdom, in their lordship sank it in the rock: and they went from the well to Manthanain, ASV Numbers 21:18 The well, which the princes digged, Which the nobles of the people delved, With the sceptre, and with their staves. And from the wilderness they journeyed to Mattanah; CSB Numbers 21:18 The princes dug the well; the nobles of the people hollowed it out with a scepter and with their staffs.They went from the wilderness to Mattanah, NKJ Numbers 21:18 The well the leaders sank, Dug by the nation's nobles, By the lawgiver, with their staves." And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah, NRS Numbers 21:18 the well that the leaders sank, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, with the staff." From the wilderness to Mattanah, NAB Numbers 21:18 The well that the princes sank, that the nobles of the people dug, with their scepters and their staffs." From Beer they went to Mattanah, NJB Numbers 21:18 sunk by the princes, dug by the people's leaders with the sceptre, with their staves! -and from the desert to Mattanah, GWN Numbers 21:18 the well dug by princes, dug out by the nobles of the people with their scepters and staffs." From the desert they went to Mattanah, princes: 2Ch 17:7-9 Ne 3:1,5 1Ti 6:17,18 the lawgiver: De 5:31 33:4 Isa 33:22 Joh 1:17 Jas 4:12 And from: Nu 33:45-47 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The well, which the leaders sank, Which the nobles of the people dug, With the scepter and with their staffs." NET NOTE - The brief song is supposed to be an old workers’ song, and so the mention of leaders and princes is unusual. Some think they are given credit because they directed where the workers were to dig. The scepter and staff might have served some symbolic or divining custom. And from the wilderness they continued to Mattanah Holman Bible Dictionary Mattanah (mat' tuh nuh) Place name meaning, “gift.” Stopping place in the wilderness (Numbers 21:18-19). The site is perhaps identical with khirbet el-Medeiyineh about twelve miles southeast of Madeba. Pottery shards at that site indicate occupation from before 1,200 to about 800 B.C. Related Resources: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Mattanah McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Mattanah Easton's Bible Dictionary Mattanah Fausset Bible Dictionary Mattanah Holman Bible Dictionary Mattanah Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Mattanah Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, BGT Numbers 21:19 καὶ ἀπὸ Μανθαναιν εἰς Νααλιηλ καὶ ἀπὸ Νααλιηλ εἰς Βαμωθ NET Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth; NLT Numbers 21:19 Nahaliel, and Bamoth. ESV Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, NIV Numbers 21:19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, KJV Numbers 21:19 And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth: YLT Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, LXE Numbers 21:19 and from Manthanain to Naaliel, and from Naaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth to Janen, which is in the plain of Moab as seen from the top of the quarried rock that looks toward the wilderness. ASV Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth; CSB Numbers 21:19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, NKJ Numbers 21:19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, NRS Numbers 21:19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, NAB Numbers 21:19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, NJB Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, GWN Numbers 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth - Bamoth means high place. It could be the location mentioned in Nu 22:41 where we read "Then it came about in the morning that Balak took Balaam and brought him up to the high places (Bamoth) of Baal (Bamoth-Baal), and he saw from there a portion of the people." Holman Bible Dictionary Nahaliel (nuh hay' lih ehl) Place name meaning, “palm grove of God,” “torrent valley of God,” or less likely, “God is my inheritance.” One of Israel's stopping places in Transjordan (Numbers 21:19 ). The stream bed is perhaps the wadi Zerqa Ma'in or the wadi Wala, a north tributary of the Arnon. Holman Bible Dictionary Bamoth (bay' muhth) Place name and common noun meaning, “high places.” A place in Moab where Israel stayed during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 21:19-20 ). Some would equate it with Bamoth-Baal. FSB on Bamoth - When used as a generic noun, “high places” refers to illicit shrines throughout Israel and Judah (e.g., Lev 26:30; 1 Kgs 3:2; 2 Kgs 17:9). The proper place name Bamoth (bamah) is attested the OT (Isa 15:2; 16:12; Jer 48:35) and in the Moabite Stela (line 3). As a place-name, Bamoth is used only of locations in Moab. Related Resources: Easton's Bible Dictionary Nahaliel Fausset Bible Dictionary Nahaliel Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Nahaliel International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Nahaliel Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Nahaliel McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Nahaliel Easton's Bible Dictionary Bamoth-Baal Bamoth Fausset Bible Dictionary Bamoth-Baal Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Bamoth, Bamoth-Baal International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Bamoth; Bamoth-Baal McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Bamoth-Baal The Jewish Encyclopedia Bamoth-Baal Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the land of Moab, at the top of Pisgah which overlooks the wasteland. BGT Numbers 21:20 καὶ ἀπὸ Βαμωθ εἰς νάπην ἥ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ Μωαβ ἀπὸ κορυφῆς τοῦ λελαξευμένου τὸ βλέπον κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς ἐρήμου NET Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the country of Moab, near the top of Pisgah, which overlooks the wilderness. NLT Numbers 21:20 After that they went to the valley in Moab where Pisgah Peak overlooks the wasteland. ESV Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert. NIV Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland. KJV Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon. YLT Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth in the valley which is in the field of Moab to the top of Pisgah, which hath looked on the front of the wilderness. LXE Numbers 21:20 And Moses sent ambassadors to Seon king of the Amorites, with peaceable words, saying, ASV Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh down upon the desert. CSB Numbers 21:20 from Bamoth to the valley in the territory of Moab near the Pisgah highlands that overlook the wasteland. NKJ Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth, in the valley that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah which looks down on the wasteland. NRS Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah that overlooks the wasteland. NAB Numbers 21:20 from Bamoth to the cleft in the plateau of Moab at the headland of Pisgah that overlooks Jeshimon. NJB Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that opens into the country of Moab, towards the heights of Pisgah overlooking the desert. GWN Numbers 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where Mount Pisgah overlooks Jeshimon. country: Heb. field, Nu 22:1 26:63 33:49,50 De 1:5 to the: Nu 23:14 De 3:27 4:49 34:1 Pisgah: or the hill Jeshimon: or, the wilderness, Nu 23:28 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the land of Moab, at the top of Pisgah which overlooks the wasteland - FSB says Pisgah is "Likely refers to a mountain range, though a mountain or a district that included mountains are also possible." Pisgah - 8v - Num. 21:20; Num. 23:14; Deut. 3:17; Deut. 3:27; Deut. 4:49; Deut. 34:1; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 13:20 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Pisgah piz´ga ( הפּסגּה , ha - piṣgāh ; Φασγά , Phasgá , τὸ λελαξευμένον , tó lelaxeuménon , ἡ λαξευτή , hē laxeutḗ ): This name, which has always the definite article, appears only in combination either with rō'sh , "head," "top," or 'ashdōth , not translated in the King James Version save in Deuteronomy 4:49 , where it is rendered "springs" the Revised Version (British and American) uniformly "slopes," the Revised Version margin "springs." Pisgah is identified with Nebo in Deuteronomy 34:1 ; compare Deuteronomy 3:27 . "The top of Pisgah, which looketh down upon the desert" marks a stage in the march of the host of Israel (Numbers 21:20 ). Hither Balak brought Balaam to the field of Zophim (Numbers 23:14 ). Here Moses obtained his view of the Promised Land, and died. See NEBO . Many scholars (e.g. Buhl, GAP , 122; Gray, "Numbers," ICC , 291) take Pisgah as the name applying to the mountain range in which the Moab plateau terminates to the West, the "top" or "head" of Pisgah being the point in which the ridge running out westward from the main mass culminates. The summit commands a wide view, and looks down upon the desert. The identification is made surer by the name Tal‛at eṣ -Ṣufa found here, which seems to correspond with the field of Zophim. 'Ashdōth is the construct plural of 'ashēdhāh (singular form not found), from 'eshedh , "foundation," "bottom," "lower part" (slope); compare Assyrian ishdu , "foundation." Some would, derive it from Aramaic 'ashadh , "to pour," whence "fall" or "slope" ( OHL , under the word). Ashdoth-pisgah overlooked the Dead Sea from the East (Deuteronomy 3:17 ; Deuteronomy 4:49 ; Joshua 12:3 ; Joshua 13:20 ). There can be no reasonable doubt that Ashdoth-pisgah signifies the steep slopes of the mountain descending into the contiguous valleys. It is worthy of note that Septuagint does not uniformly render Pisgah by a proper name, but sometimes by a derivative of laxeúō , "to hew" or "to dress stone" ( Numbers 21:20 ; Numbers 23:14 ; Deuteronomy 3:27 ; Deuteronomy 4:49 ). Jerome (Onomasticon , under the word Asedoth ) gives abscisum as the Latin equivalent of Fasga . He derives Pisgah from pāṣagh , which, in new Hebrew, means "to split," "to cut off." This suggests a mountain the steep sides of which give it the appearance of having been "cut out." This description applies perfectly to Jebel Nebā as viewed from the Dead Sea. Related Resources. American Tract Society Pisgah Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Pisgah Easton's Bible Dictionary Pisgah Fausset Bible Dictionary Pisgah A ridge of the Abarim mountains W. from Heshbon. Nebo was a town on, or near, that ridge, lying on its western slope (Numbers 21:20; Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:38; Deuteronomy 32:49; Deuteronomy 34:1). From Pisgah, Israel gained their first view of the Dead Sea and Jordan valley; hence Moses too viewed the land of promise. The correct designation for the mount is not "Nebo" (which has become usual for convenience sake) but "the mountain adjoining Nebo." In Scripture Nebo denotes only the town (Isaiah 15:2; Jeremiah 48:1-22). The uniform peakless nature of Pisgah caused its parts to be distinguished only by the names of the adjacent villages. It always has the article "THE Pisgah" E. of Jordan, near "the field of Moab, opposite Jericho." The field of Zophim was on it Ashsoth-Pisgah; Deuteronomy 3:17. (See Ashdoth Pisgah) Pisgah is derived from paasag "to divide," a detached range of Abarim. Tristram from a point about 4,500 ft. high, three miles S.W. of Heshbon and one and a half W. of Main, saw to the N. and E. the Gilead hills, and the vast Belka ocean of grain and grass; to the S., Her and Seir of Arabia; to the W., the Dead Sea and Jordan valley and the familiar objects near Jerusalem; and over Jordan, Gerizim's round top, and further the Esdraelon plain and the shoulder of Carmel; to the N. rose Tabor's outline, Gilboa and little Hermon (jebel Duhy); in front rose Ajlun's dark forests, ending in Mount Gilead, behind Es Salt (Ramoth Gilead) The name Pisgah survives only on the N.W. end of the Dead Sea, in the Ras el Feshkah (Hebrew: Rosh ha-Ρisgah , "top of Pisgah"). Jebel Siugah ("fragment") probably answers to Pisgah. It is "over against Jericho," and the view corresponds. It is a fragment cut off by declivities on all sides, and separated from Nebo by the wady Haisa. Holman Bible Dictionary Pisgah (pihss' guh) Place name perhaps meaning, “the divided one.' Mountain in the Abarim range across the Jordan River from Jericho. Some Bible scholars believe it was part of Mount Nebo; others think it could have been a separate rise, either en-Neba or near modern Khirbet Tsijaga. God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land from the heights of Pisgah (Deuteronomy 34:1 ) but would not let him cross into Canaan. Israel had camped near Pisgah (Numbers 21:20 ). Balak took Balaam to its height so the prophet could see Israel and curse them (Numbers 23:14 ). It was a limit of Sihon's kingdom (Joshua 12:23 ); Ashdoth-pisgah in KJV) and also for the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:20 ). Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Pisgah Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Pisgah McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Pisgah The Jewish Encyclopedia Pisgah Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, saying, BGT Numbers 21:21 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Μωυσῆς πρέσβεις πρὸς Σηων βασιλέα Αμορραίων λόγοις εἰρηνικοῖς λέγων NET Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to King Sihon of the Amorites, saying, NLT Numbers 21:21 The Israelites then sent ambassadors to King Sihon of the Amorites with this message: ESV Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, NIV Numbers 21:21 Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the Amorites: KJV Numbers 21:21 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, YLT Numbers 21:21 And Israel sendeth messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorite, saying, LXE Numbers 21:21 We will pass through thy land, we will go by the road; we will not turn aside to the field or to the vineyard. ASV Numbers 21:21 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, CSB Numbers 21:21 Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the Amorites: NKJ Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, NRS Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to King Sihon of the Amorites, saying, NAB Numbers 21:21 Now Israel sent men to Sihon, king of the Amorites, with the message, NJB Numbers 21:21 Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the Amorites, GWN Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to say to King Sihon of the Amorites, Nu 20:14-19 De 2:26-28 Jdg 11:19-21 A MESSAGE TO SIHON OF THE AMORITES Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites (see note above), saying - What is notable about the passages related to the Amorites is that they describe the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy given to Abraham in Genesis 15:16 "Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.” In these passages the time of judgment of the Amorite had come and would meted out on two Amorite kings, Sihon, king of Heshbon (Nu 21:22-32) and Og, the king of Bashan (Nu 21:33-35) Israel is not journeying north along the eastern edge of Moab and so Israel requests passage through the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. Question: Who was Sihon, king of the Amorites? (see also note above on Amorites) Answer: Sihon was a king of the Amorites, a pagan nation located east of the Jordan River near the Promised Land during the time of Moses. The city from which Sihon, king of the Amorites, ruled was called Heshbon. This city and its king were so famous that people wrote songs about them (Numbers 21:27–30). King Sihon was an enemy of the Israelites. Sihon had conquered the king of Moab and had taken his land (Numbers 21:26). Later, when the Israelites asked to pass peacefully through Sihon’s land, he refused them passage and came out to fight them (verse 23). But Israel under Moses’ leadership fought back, defeated Sihon, and took all the land he had taken from the Moabite king, “from the Arnon to the Jabbok” (verse 24), two boundary rivers. Later, the Israelites were opposed by the nation of Bashan, and God encouraged Moses to be unafraid of Og, the king of Bashan, by reminding him of the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Do not fear [Og], for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Hesbon’” (Numbers 21:34). God fulfilled this promise and gave Moses and the Israelites victory over Bashan. Moses listed their victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, among the many blessings and protections of God (Deuteronomy 29:7). The land east of the Jordan taken from Sihon, king of the Amorites, was given to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (verse 8). Sihon, king of the Amorites, was a mighty king, and his army was strong and terrible. It is likely that the Israelites were, humanly speaking, not strong enough to defeat Sihon’s forces. The Israelites won because the Lord was with them. Their victory over Sihon is referenced again in the book of Joshua, when Rahab of Jericho tells the spies that her people had heard of the Israelites’ victory over Sihon and were therefore afraid to come against them in battle. Rahab says, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us. . . . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea . . . and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9–11). Israel’s miraculous victory over Sihon and the Amorites is heralded in the Psalms as well. Psalm 135:10–12 says, “He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites . . .—and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.” Psalm 136:17–19 gives praise “to him who struck down great kings . . . and killed mighty kings—. . . Sihon king of the Amorites. His love endures forever.” No king, no army, no political system was enough to destroy God’s people because God was their Protector, and the same is true for those who trust in Him today. It is His power that protects, saves, and keeps us (Romans 1:16). “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38–39). Let Sihon do his worst; God’s people will overcome. GotQuestions.org Numbers 21:22 "Let me pass through your land. We will not turn off into field or vineyard; we will not drink water from wells. We will go by the king's highway until we have passed through your border." BGT Numbers 21:22 παρελευσόμεθα διὰ τῆς γῆς σου τῇ ὁδῷ πορευσόμεθα οὐκ ἐκκλινοῦμεν οὔτε εἰς ἀγρὸν οὔτε εἰς ἀμπελῶνα οὐ πιόμεθα ὕδωρ ἐκ φρέατός σου ὁδῷ βασιλικῇ πορευσόμεθα ἕως παρέλθωμεν τὰ ὅριά σου NET Numbers 21:22 "Let us pass through your land; we will not turn aside into the fields or into the vineyards, nor will we drink water from any well, but we will go along the King's Highway until we pass your borders." NLT Numbers 21:22 "Let us travel through your land. We will be careful not to go through your fields and vineyards. We won't even drink water from your wells. We will stay on the king's road until we have passed through your territory." ESV Numbers 21:22 "Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into field or vineyard. We will not drink the water of a well. We will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." NIV Numbers 21:22 "Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the king's highway until we have passed through your territory." KJV Numbers 21:22 Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders. YLT Numbers 21:22 'Let me pass through thy land, we do not turn aside into a field, or into a vineyard, we do not drink waters of a well; in the king's way we go, till that we pass over thy border.' LXE Numbers 21:22 We will not drink water out of thy well; we will go by the king's highway, until we have past thy boundaries. ASV Numbers 21:22 Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's highway, until we have passed thy border. CSB Numbers 21:22 "Let us travel through your land. We won't go into the fields or vineyards. We won't drink any well water. We will travel the King's Highway until we have traveled through your territory." NKJ Numbers 21:22 "Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into fields or vineyards; we will not drink water from wells. We will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." NRS Numbers 21:22 "Let me pass through your land; we will not turn aside into field or vineyard; we will not drink the water of any well; we will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." NAB Numbers 21:22 "Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor will we drink any well water, but we will go straight along the royal road until we have passed through your territory." NJB Numbers 21:22 'I wish to pass through your country. We shall not stray into the fields or vineyards; we shall not drink the water from the wells; we shall keep to the king's highway until we have passed through your territory.' GWN Numbers 21:22 "Let us go through your country. We won't go through any of your fields or vineyards or drink any of the water from your wells. We'll stay on the king's highway until we've passed through your territory." Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE REQUEST TO PASS USING THE KING'S HIGHWAY Let me pass through your land. We will not turn off into field or vineyard; we will not drink water from wells. We will go by the king's highway until we have passed through your border - This request indicates that Israel had no designs on this land, but just wanted safe passage. FSB -This region was not part of the land originally promised to Abraham (Gen 12:1–3; 15:1–6, 18). Numbers 32 also indicates that, had the tribes of Reuben and Gad not asked to settle in these areas, they would have been left empty Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not permit Israel to pass through his border. So Sihon gathered all his people and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. BGT Numbers 21:23 καὶ οὐκ ἔδωκεν Σηων τῷ Ισραηλ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτοῦ καὶ συνήγαγεν Σηων πάντα τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐξῆλθεν παρατάξασθαι τῷ Ισραηλ εἰς τὴν ἔρημον καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς Ιασσα καὶ παρετάξατο τῷ Ισραηλ NET Numbers 21:23 But Sihon did not permit Israel to pass through his border; he gathered all his forces together and went out against Israel into the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. NLT Numbers 21:23 But King Sihon refused to let them cross his territory. Instead, he mobilized his entire army and attacked Israel in the wilderness, engaging them in battle at Jahaz. ESV Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. He gathered all his people together and went out against Israel to the wilderness and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. NIV Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. He mustered his entire army and marched out into the desert against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he fought with Israel. KJV Numbers 21:23 And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. YLT Numbers 21:23 And Sihon hath not suffered Israel to pass through his border, and Sihon gathereth all his people, and cometh out to meet Israel into the wilderness, and cometh in to Jahaz, and fighteth against Israel. LXE Numbers 21:23 And Seon did not allow Israel to pass through his borders, and Seon gathered all his people, and went out to set the battle in array against Israel into the wilderness; and he came to Jassa, and set the battle in array against Israel. ASV Numbers 21:23 And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz; and he fought against Israel. CSB Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not let Israel travel through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. NKJ Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. So Sihon gathered all his people together and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. NRS Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel to the wilderness; he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. NAB Numbers 21:23 Sihon, however, would not let Israel pass through his territory, but mustered all his forces and advanced into the desert against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he engaged Israel in battle. NJB Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not give Israel leave to pass through his country. He assembled all his people, marched into the desert to meet Israel, and reached Jahaz, where he gave battle to Israel. GWN Numbers 21:23 Sihon wouldn't let Israel pass through his territory. Sihon gathered all his troops and came out into the desert to attack Israel. When Sihon's troops came to Jahaz, they fought against Israel. Sihon : De 2:30-32 29:7,8 Jahaz: Jdg 11:20 Isa 15:4 Jer 48:34 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SIHON'S REFUSAL TO ISRAEL TO PASS THROUGH But Sihon (see note) would not permit Israel to pass through his border - Sihon's message was the same as the king of Edom, but this time Israel would not turn away as they did at Edom. Notice from the parallel passages in Deuteronomy why Sihon said "no!" Yahweh hardened his heart for the express purpose to deliver him into the hand of Israel (Dt 2:30) Notice the especially significant declaration by Yahweh that "I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to occupy, that you may possess his land." The LORD was now "making good" on His promise to Israel to give them the promised land! Moses records this even in Deuteronomy 2:30-33 - “But Sihon king of Heshbon was not willing for us to pass through his land; for the LORD your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, in order to deliver him into your hand, as he is today. 31 “The LORD said to me, ‘See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to occupy, that you may possess his land.’ 32 “Then Sihon with all his people came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz. 33 “The LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him with his sons and all his people. So Sihon gathered all his people and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel - His spirit hardened and his heart obstinate, Sihon came against Israel. Whereas the king of Edom sent out only his army (Nu 20:20) after giving warning (Nu 20:18), Sihon gathered all his people (so not just the army) and not with any warning (at least none is recorded). Holman Bible Dictionary -Jahaz (jay' haz) Moabite place name perhaps meaning, “landsite.” As they journeyed from the wilderness to the Promised Land, Israel defeated King Sihon there (Numbers 21:23-24 ; Deuteronomy 2:32-33 ; Judges 11:20-21 ). Isaiah's oracle against Moab described the isolated city of Jahaz as hearing the mourning of Heshbon and Elealeh (Isaiah 15:4). Jeremiah issued a similar warning (Jeremiah 48:34 ; compare Jeremiah 48:21). The name also appears with the Hebrew locative ah ending, thus being spelled Jahaza or Jahazah. Jahzah is also a variant spelling. It became part of the tribal territory of Reuben (Joshua 13:18) and a city of the Levites (Joshua 21:36 ; compare 1 Chronicles 6:78). On the Moabite stone, King Mesha of Moab claims an Israelite king (perhaps Jehu) built Jahaz and used it as a base in his unsuccessful fight against Mesha, Chemosh, the Moabite god driving the Israelites out. Mesha then annexed the city to Dibon. It has been variously located at Libb, six miles north of Dibon; Aleiyan; khirbet el-Medeiyineh; and khirbet Iskander, four miles north of Dibon, being the most popular suggestions. Related Resources: American Tract Society Jahaz Easton's Bible Dictionary Jahaz Fausset Bible Dictionary Jahaz Holman Bible Dictionary Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Jahaz International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Jahaz McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Jahaz Numbers 21:24 Then Israel struck him with the edge of the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the sons of Ammon; for the border of the sons of Ammon was Jazer. BGT Numbers 21:24 καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν Ισραηλ φόνῳ μαχαίρης καὶ κατεκυρίευσαν τῆς γῆς αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ Αρνων ἕως Ιαβοκ ἕως υἱῶν Αμμαν ὅτι Ιαζηρ ὅρια υἱῶν Αμμων ἐστίν NET Numbers 21:24 But the Israelites defeated him in battle and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strongly defended. NLT Numbers 21:24 But the Israelites slaughtered them with their swords and occupied their land from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River. They went only as far as the Ammonite border because the boundary of the Ammonites was fortified. ESV Numbers 21:24 And Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as to the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strong. NIV Numbers 21:24 Israel, however, put him to the sword and took over his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified. KJV Numbers 21:24 And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. YLT Numbers 21:24 And Israel smiteth him by the mouth of the sword, and possesseth his land from Arnon unto Jabbok -- unto the sons of Ammon; for the border of the sons of Ammon is strong. LXE Numbers 21:24 And Israel smote him with the slaughter of the sword, and they became possessors of his land, from Arnon to Jaboc, as far as the children of Amman, for Jazer is the borders of the children of Amman. ASV Numbers 21:24 And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from the Arnon unto the Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. CSB Numbers 21:24 Israel struck him with the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only up to the Ammonite border, because it was fortified. NKJ Numbers 21:24 Then Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the people of Ammon; for the border of the people of Ammon was fortified. NRS Numbers 21:24 Israel put him to the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as to the Ammonites; for the boundary of the Ammonites was strong. NAB Numbers 21:24 But Israel defeated him at the point of the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok and as far as the country of the Ammonites, whose boundary was at Jazer. NJB Numbers 21:24 Israel defeated him by force of arms and conquered his country from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the Ammonites, for Jazer marked the Ammonite frontier. GWN Numbers 21:24 But Israel defeated them in battle and took possession of their land from the Arnon Valley to the Jabbok River. They stopped at the border of the Ammon because it was fortified. Israel: Nu 32:1-4,33-42 De 2:31-37 29:7 Jos 9:10 12:1-3 13:8-10 24:8 Jud 11:21-23 12:1,2 21:8 Ne 9:22 Ps 135:10-12 136:19 Am 2:9 Arnon: Nu 21:13 Ge 32:22 De 3:16 Dt 2:19 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Jabbok River - Click to Enlarge Then Israel struck him with the edge of the sword - As noted above Israel fought Sihon but Yahweh delivered Sihon into their hand (Dt 2:33). THOUGHT - This truth of God delivering and Israel fighting (God's Sovereignty, Man's Responsibility) reminds us even in the NT that "the battle is the Lord's" and that we need to depend wholly on the Holy Spirit in our ongoing spiritual war for our "struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph 6:12+) And took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the sons of Ammon; for the border of the sons of Ammon was Jazer - "as far as the Ammonites." (NET) Jabbok was a 75-80 mile long perennial tributary of the Jordan River, flowing into it on the eastern side where it arches like a semi-circle. It is about 24 miles north of the Dead Sea (see map above). Its mouth is 40 miles NE of Jerusalem. Jazer "was a city of the Amorites east of the Jordan taken, along with its towns, by Moses, and occupied by the tribe of Gad (Numbers 21:32 ; Numbers 32:35 ). The country was very fertile, and its spacious pasture-lands attracted the flock-masters of Gad (Numbers 32:1 ), the southern border of whose territory it marked (Joshua 13:25 ). It was assigned to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:39 ; 1 Chronicles 6:81 ). The place was reached by Joab when taking the census (2 Samuel 24:5 ). In the 40th year of King David mighty men of valor were found here to whom he entrusted the oversight in Reuben and Gad "for every matter pertaining to God, and run the affairs of the king" (1 Chronicles 26:32 f). The fruitfulness of the country is alluded to in Isaiah 16:8 f; Jeremiah 48:32 . (ISBE) ISBE on Ammon; Ammonites - The Hebrew tradition makes this tribe descendants of Lot and hence related to the Israelites (Genesis 19:38 ). This is reflected in the name usually employed in Old Testament to designate them, נ , Ben ‛Ammı̄ ,, Benē ‛Ammōn , "son of my people," "children of my people," i.e. relatives. Hence we find that the Israelites are commanded to avoid conflict with them on their march to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 2:19 ). Their dwelling-place was on the east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan, between the Arnon and the Jabbok, but, before the advance of the Hebrews, they had been dispossessed of a portion of their land by the Amorites, who founded, along the east side of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, the kingdom of Sihon (Numbers 21:21-31 ). Related Resources: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Jabbok jab'-ok (yabboq, "luxuriant river"): A stream in Eastern Palestine first named in the history of Jacob, as crossed by the patriarch on his return from Paddan-aram, after leaving Mahanaim (Genesis 32:22). On the bank of this river he had his strange conflict with an unknown antagonist. The Jabbok was the northern boundary of the territory of Sihon the Amorite (Numbers 21:24). It is also named as the border of Ammon (Deuteronomy 3:16). It is now called Nahr ez-Zerqa, "river of blue," referring to the clear blue color of its water. It rises near to `Amman-Rabbath Ammon-and makes a wide circuit, flowing first to the East, then to the Northwest, until it is joined by the stream from Wady Jerash, at which point it turns westward, and flows, with many windings, to the Jordan, the confluence being just North of ed-Damiyeh. It drains a wider area than any other stream East of the Jordan, except the Yarmuk. The bed of the river is in a deep gorge with steep, and in many places precipitous, banks. It is a great cleft, cutting the land of Gilead in two. It is lined along its course by a luxuriant growth of oleander which, in season, lights up the valley with brilliant color. The length of the stream, taking no account of its innumerable windings, is about 60 miles. The mouth of the river has changed its position from time to time. In the lower reaches the vegetation is tropical. The river is fordable at many points, save when in full flood. The particular ford referred to in Genesis 32 cannot now be identified. W. Ewing Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Jabbok Fausset Bible Dictionary Jabbok Holman Bible Dictionary Jabbok Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Jabbok Easton's Bible Dictionary Ammonite Holman Bible Dictionary Ammonites Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Ammon, Ammonites International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Ammon; Ammonites Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Ammonites McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Ammonite The Jewish Encyclopedia Ammon, Ammonites Numbers 21:25 Israel took all these cities and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all her villages. BGT Numbers 21:25 καὶ ἔλαβεν Ισραηλ πάσας τὰς πόλεις ταύτας καὶ κατῴκησεν Ισραηλ ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσιν τῶν Αμορραίων ἐν Εσεβων καὶ ἐν πάσαις ταῖς συγκυρούσαις αὐτῇ NET Numbers 21:25 So Israel took all these cities; and Israel settled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages. NLT Numbers 21:25 So Israel captured all the towns of the Amorites and settled in them, including the city of Heshbon and its surrounding villages. ESV Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities, and Israel settled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages. NIV Numbers 21:25 Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its surrounding settlements. KJV Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof. YLT Numbers 21:25 And Israel taketh all these cities, and Israel dwelleth in all the cities of the Amorite, in Heshbon, and in all its villages; LXE Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all their cities, and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Esebon, and in all cities belonging to it. ASV Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the towns thereof. CSB Numbers 21:25 Israel took all the cities and lived in all these Amorite cities, including Heshbon and all its villages. NKJ Numbers 21:25 So Israel took all these cities, and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and in all its villages. NRS Numbers 21:25 Israel took all these towns, and Israel settled in all the towns of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages. NAB Numbers 21:25 Israel seized all the towns here and settled in these towns of the Amorites, in Heshbon and all its dependencies. NJB Numbers 21:25 Israel took all these towns. Israel occupied all the Amorite towns, Heshbon and all its dependencies, GWN Numbers 21:25 Israel took all those Amorite cities, including Heshbon and all its villages, and lived in them. dwelt: Nu 21:31 32:33-42 De 2:12 in Heshbon: Heshbon was situated, according to Eusebius, twenty miles east of Jordan; and Jerome, who places it at the same distance, says it was, in his time, a very considerable city. It still subsists, in ruins, under the name of Heshban. Song 7:4 Isa 15:4 16:8,9 Jer 48:2,34,45 villages: Heb. daughters, Eze 16:46,49,53 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Heshbon the city of Sihon Israel took all these cities and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites (see note above), in Heshbon, and in all her villages ISBE on Heshbon - hesh'-bon (cheshbon; Hesebon): The royal city of Sihon king of the Amorites, taken and occupied by the Israelites under Moses (Numbers 21:25, etc.). It lay on the southern border of Gad (Joshua 13:26), and was one of the cities fortified by Reuben (Numbers 32:37). It is reckoned among the cities of Gad given to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:39). In later literature (Isaiah 15:4; Isaiah 16:8 Jeremiah 48:2, 34, 45; Jeremiah 49:3) it is referred to as a city of Moab. It passed again into Jewish hands, and is mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XIII, xv, 4) as among their possessions in the country of Moab under Alexander Janneus. The city with its district called Hesebonitis, was also under the jurisdiction of Herod the Great (Ant., XV, vii, 5, where it is described as lying in the Peraea). Eusebius, Onomasticon places it 20 Roman miles from the Jordan. It is represented by the modern Chesban, a ruined site in the mountains over against Jericho, about 16 miles East of the Jordan. It stands on the edge of Wady Chesban in a position of great strength, about 600 ft. above `Ain Chesban. The ruins, dating mainly from Roman times, spread over two hills, respectively 2,930 ft. and 2,954 ft. in height. There are remains of a temple overlooked from the West by those of a castle. There is also a large ruined reservoir; while the spring in the valley forms a succession of pools (Songs 7:4). The city is approached from the valley by a steep path passing through a cutting in the rock, which may have been closed by a gate (Conder, Heth and Moab, 142). On a hill to the West, el-Kurmiyeh, is a collection of dolmens and stone circles (Musil, Arabia Petrea, I, 383). Related Resources American Tract Society Heshbon Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Heshbon Easton's Bible Dictionary Heshbon Fausset Bible Dictionary Heshbon Holman Bible Dictionary Heshbon Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Heshbon International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Heshbon McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Heshbon (2) Heshbon The Jewish Encyclopedia Heshbon Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken all his land out of his hand, as far as the Arnon. BGT Numbers 21:26 ἔστιν γὰρ Εσεβων πόλις Σηων τοῦ βασιλέως τῶν Αμορραίων καὶ οὗτος ἐπολέμησεν βασιλέα Μωαβ τὸ πρότερον καὶ ἔλαβον πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ Αροηρ ἕως Αρνων NET Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of King Sihon of the Amorites. Now he had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken all of his land from his control, as far as the Arnon. NLT Numbers 21:26 Heshbon had been the capital of King Sihon of the Amorites. He had defeated a former Moabite king and seized all his land as far as the Arnon River. ESV Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land out of his hand, as far as the Arnon. NIV Numbers 21:26 Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken from him all his land as far as the Arnon. KJV Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon. YLT Numbers 21:26 for Heshbon is a city of Sihon king of the Amorite, and he hath fought against the former king of Moab, and taketh all his land out of his hand, unto Arnon; LXE Numbers 21:26 For Esebon is the city of Seon king of the Amorites; and he before fought against the king of Moab, and they took all his land, from Aroer to Arnon. ASV Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto the Arnon. CSB Numbers 21:26 Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken control of all his land as far as the Arnon. NKJ Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and had taken all his land from his hand as far as the Arnon. NRS Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of King Sihon of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and captured all his land as far as the Arnon. NAB Numbers 21:26 Now Heshbon was the capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had seized all his land from Jazer to the Arnon. NJB Numbers 21:26 Heshbon being the capital of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had made war on the first king of Moab and captured all his territory as far as the Arnon. GWN Numbers 21:26 Heshbon was the city of King Sihon of the Amorites. He had fought the former king of Moab and had taken all his land up to the Arnon Valley. Arnon: Arnon is a stream which takes its rise in the mountains of Moab, and, by a north-west course, during which it receives the waters of several streams, runs into the Dead sea. It is now called Wady Modjeb, and divides the province of Pelka from that of Kerek, as it formerly divided the kingdoms of the Moabites and Amorites. Its principal source is at a short distance to the north-east of Katrane, a station of the Syrian Hadj, where it is called Seyl Sayde; and lower down it receives the name of Esseim el Kereim, or Szefye. Nu 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon (see note), king of the Amorites (see note above), who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken all his land out of his hand, as far as the Arnon. NET NOTE - There is a justice, always, in the divine plan for the conquest of the land. Modern students of the Bible often think that the conquest passages are crude and unjust. But an understanding of the ancient Near East is critical here. This Sihon was not a part of the original population of the land. He himself invaded the territory and destroyed the population of Moab that was indigenous there and established his own kingdom. The ancient history is filled with such events; it is the way of life they chose—conquer or be conquered. For Israel to defeat them was in part a turning of their own devices back on their heads—“those that live by the sword will die by the sword.” Sihon knew this, and he did not wait, but took the war to Israel. Israel wanted to pass through, not fight. But now they would either fight or be pushed into the gorge. So God used Israel to defeat Sihon, who had no claim to the land, as part of divine judgment. Numbers 21:27 Therefore those who use proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon be established. BGT Numbers 21:27 διὰ τοῦτο ἐροῦσιν οἱ αἰνιγματισταί ἔλθετε εἰς Εσεβων ἵνα οἰκοδομηθῇ καὶ κατασκευασθῇ πόλις Σηων NET Numbers 21:27 That is why those who speak in proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon, let it be built. Let the city of Sihon be established! NLT Numbers 21:27 Therefore, the ancient poets wrote this about him: "Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt! Let the city of Sihon be restored. ESV Numbers 21:27 Therefore the ballad singers say, "Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established. NIV Numbers 21:27 That is why the poets say: "Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; let Sihon's city be restored. KJV Numbers 21:27 Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: YLT Numbers 21:27 therefore those using similes say -- 'Enter ye Heshbon, Let the city of Sihon be built and ready, LXE Numbers 21:27 Therefore say they who deal in dark speeches, Come to Esebon, that the city of Seon may be built and prepared. ASV Numbers 21:27 Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come ye to Heshbon; Let the city of Sihon be built and established: CSB Numbers 21:27 Therefore the poets say: Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. NKJ Numbers 21:27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say: "Come to Heshbon, let it be built; Let the city of Sihon be repaired. NRS Numbers 21:27 Therefore the ballad singers say, "Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established. NAB Numbers 21:27 That is why the poets say: "Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt, let Sihon's capital be firmly constructed. NJB Numbers 21:27 Hence the poets say: Come to Heshbon! Let the city of Sihon be rebuilt on firm foundations! GWN Numbers 21:27 This is why the poets say: "Come to Heshbon! Rebuild it! Restore Sihon's city! Nu 21:14 Isa 14:4 Hab 2:6 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Therefore those who use proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon (see note) be established. Numbers 21:28 "For a fire went forth from Heshbon, A flame from the town of Sihon; It devoured Ar of Moab, The dominant heights of the Arnon. BGT Numbers 21:28 ὅτι πῦρ ἐξῆλθεν ἐξ Εσεβων φλὸξ ἐκ πόλεως Σηων καὶ κατέφαγεν ἕως Μωαβ καὶ κατέπιεν στήλας Αρνων NET Numbers 21:28 For fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has consumed Ar of Moab and the lords of the high places of Arnon. NLT Numbers 21:28 A fire flamed forth from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It burned the city of Ar in Moab; it destroyed the rulers of the Arnon heights. ESV Numbers 21:28 For fire came out from Heshbon, flame from the city of Sihon. It devoured Ar of Moab, and swallowed the heights of the Arnon. NIV Numbers 21:28 "Fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the citizens of Arnon's heights. KJV Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon. YLT Numbers 21:28 For fire hath gone out from Heshbon, A flame from the city of Sihon, It hath consumed Ar of Moab, Owners of the high places of Arnon. LXE Numbers 21:28 For a fire has gone forth from Esebon, a flame from the city of Seon, and has consumed as far as Moab, and devoured the pillars of Arnon. ASV Numbers 21:28 For a fire is gone out of Heshbon, A flame from the city of Sihon: It hath devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high places of the Arnon. CSB Numbers 21:28 For fire came out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the lords of Arnon's heights. NKJ Numbers 21:28 "For fire went out from Heshbon, A flame from the city of Sihon; It consumed Ar of Moab, The lords of the heights of the Arnon. NRS Numbers 21:28 For fire came out from Heshbon, flame from the city of Sihon. It devoured Ar of Moab, and swallowed up the heights of the Arnon. NAB Numbers 21:28 For fire went forth from Heshbon and a blaze from the city of Sihon; It consumed the cities of Moab and swallowed up the high places of the Arnon. NJB Numbers 21:28 For fire has burst from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon, devouring Ar of Moab, engulfing the heights of the Arnon. GWN Numbers 21:28 Fire came out of Heshbon, flames from Sihon's city. They destroyed Ar of Moab, the rulers of Arnon's worship sites. a fire: Jud 9:20 Isa 10:16 Jer 48:45,46 Am 1:4,7,10,12,14 2:2,5 Ar of Moab: Nu 21:15 De 2:9,18 Isa 15:1,2 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries For a fire went forth from Heshbon, A flame from the town of Sihon (see note); It devoured Ar of Moab, The dominant heights of the Arnon Numbers 21:29 "Woe to you, O Moab! You are ruined, O people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, To an Amorite king, Sihon. BGT Numbers 21:29 οὐαί σοι Μωαβ ἀπώλου λαὸς Χαμως ἀπεδόθησαν οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτῶν διασῴζεσθαι καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες αὐτῶν αἰχμάλωτοι τῷ βασιλεῖ τῶν Αμορραίων Σηων NET Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, Moab. You are ruined, O people of Chemosh! He has made his sons fugitives, and his daughters the prisoners of King Sihon of the Amorites. NLT Numbers 21:29 What sorrow awaits you, O people of Moab! You are finished, O worshipers of Chemosh! Chemosh has left his sons as refugees, his daughters as captives of Sihon, the Amorite king. ESV Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, O Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh! He has made his sons fugitives, and his daughters captives, to an Amorite king, Sihon. NIV Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters as captives to Sihon king of the Amorites. KJV Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites. YLT Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, O Moab, Thou hast perished, O people of Chemosh, He hath given his sons who escape -- Also his daughters -- Into captivity, to a king of the Amorite -- Sihon! LXE Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab; thou art lost, thou people of Chamos: their sons are sold for preservation, and their daughters are captives to Seon king of the Amorites. ASV Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! Thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: He hath given his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, Unto Sihon king of the Amorites. CSB Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, Moab! You have been destroyed, people of Chemosh! He gave up his sons as refugees, and his daughters into captivity to Sihon the Amorite king. NKJ Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, Moab! You have perished, O people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, To Sihon king of the Amorites. NRS Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, O Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh! He has made his sons fugitives, and his daughters captives, to an Amorite king, Sihon. NAB Numbers 21:29 Woe to you, O Moab! You are ruined, O people of Chemosh! He let his sons become fugitives and his daughters be taken captive by the Amorite king Sihon. NJB Numbers 21:29 Oh, unhappy Moab! People of Chemosh, you are lost! He has resigned his sons as fugitives, and his daughters as prisoners to Sihon king of the Amorites. GWN Numbers 21:29 How horrible it is for you, Moab! You are destroyed, you people of the god Chemosh. Chemosh let his sons become refugees and he let his daughters become prisoners of King Sihon of the Amorites. Jdg 11:24 1Ki 11:7,33 2Ki 23:13 Jer 48:7,13,46 1Co 8:4,5 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Inscription of Mesha King of Moab (see notes below) Woe to you, O Moab! You are ruined, O people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, To an Amorite king, Sihon (see note) NET NOTE - The note of holy war emerges here as the victory is a victory over the local gods as well as over the people. Note on Inscription by Mesha King of Moab - Mesha was king of Moab in 9 century BC and the stele celebrates King Mesha's victory over the "son of Omri" probably a reference to Joram (Jehoram). On the stele are engravings that boast of Mesha's victories giving "glory" Chemosh. It describes the looting of the Jewish Temple vessels. The Stele has the earliest known reference to the Name "Yahweh" outside the Old Testament. Finally, the stele supports the Biblical account of events in Joram's reign in 2 Ki 3:21-27 which describes the king of Moab offering his son for sacrifice after which a "great wrath came upon Israel." QUESTION - Who was Chemosh? Answer: Chemosh was the god of the Moabites (Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 48:7, 13, 46). Scripture calls him “the abomination of Moab” (1 Kings 11:7). Unfortunately, Chemosh-worship was introduced into Israelite culture by King Solomon, who had wives from other cultures who turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:4–7). Chemosh was one of those gods worshiped by Solomon’s wives. The cult of Chemosh was eventually destroyed in Judah by King Josiah (2 Kings 23). The meaning of the name Chemosh is not understood, though some scholars believe it may have meant “destroyer” or “subduer.” Chemosh was also seen as a fish-god. He was the national deity of the Moabites and the Ammonites, and, according to the Moabite Stone (the Mesha Stele), Chemosh was associated with the goddess Ashteroth, another false god worshiped by wayward Israelites. Chemosh is thought to have been a deity similar to Baal, and there is also evidence, both from the Moabite Stone and from Scripture, that Chemosh may have been the same deity as the Ammonite Moloch (1 Kings 11:7, 33). At least, Chemosh and Moloch were two manifestations of the same false god. King Solomon built “high places” to both gods in the same location, the mountain east of Jerusalem. The worship of Chemosh was truly an abomination. One place in Scripture records Chemosh demanding human sacrifice: in the days of Judah’s King Jehoram, the king of Moab faced military defeat, and the Moabite ruler “took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him as king, and offered him as a sacrifice on the city wall” (2 Kings 3:27). Chemosh also features in John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. In a passage about false gods, Milton refers to Chemosh as a god whom the Israelites worshiped with “lustful orgies” and “wanton rites” and calls Chemosh “th’ obscene dread of Moab’s sons” (Book 1, line 406). Milton also mentions King Josiah, who “drove them thence to Hell” by abolishing the practice of Chemosh-worship in Israel.GotQuestions.org Pagan Deities in the Old Testament Deity Worshiped in References Adrammelech Sepharvaim Amon Egypt Jer 46:25; Nah 3:8 Anammelech Sepharvaim Apis Egypt Asherah Canaan Deut 7:5; 16:21; Judg 6:25–30; 1 Kgs 15:13; 16:33; 18:19; 2 Kgs 13:6; 17:16; 18:4; 21:3, 7; 23:4–15; 2 Chr 15:16, etc. Ashima Hamath Ashtoreth/Astarte/Ishtar/“Queen of Heaven” Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Phoenicia Judg 2:13; 10:6; 1 Sam 7:3–4; 12:10; 31:10; 1 Kgs 11:5, 33; 2 Kgs 11:5; Jer 7:18; 44:17–19, 25 Baal Canaan Num 22:41; 25:3; Judg 2:11; 6:25–32; 1 Sam 7:4; 12:10; 1 Kgs 16:31–32; 18:25–26; 2 Kgs 3:2; 10:26–28; 2 Chr 17:3; 23:17; Jer 2:8; 7:9; 19:5; Hos 2:8, 13; 11:2; Zeph 1:4, etc. Baal-zebub Philistia 2 Kgs 1:2, 3, 6, 16 Bel/Marduk Babylon Isa 46:1; Jer 50:2; 51:44 Chemosh Moab Num 21:29; Judg 11:24; 1 Kgs 11:7, 33; 2 Kgs 23:13; Jer 48:7, 13, 46 Dagon Philistia Judg 16:23; 1 Sam 5:2–7; 1 Chr 10:10 Kaiwan Babylon Milcom Ammon 1 Kgs 11:5, 33; 2 Kgs 23:13; Jer 49:1, 3; Zeph 1:5 Molech Ammon Lev 18:21; 20:2–5; 1 Kgs 11:7; 2 Kgs 23:10: Jer 32:35 Nebo Babylon Nergal Cuth Nibhaz Ivvah Nisroch Assyria 2 Kgs 19:37; Isa 37:38 Rimmon/Hadad-rimmon Aram 2 Kgs 5:18; Zech 12:11 Sakkuth Babylon Succoth-benoth Babylon Tammuz Babylon, Sumer Tartak Ivvah Numbers 21:30 "But we have cast them down, Heshbon is ruined as far as Dibon, Then we have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." BGT Numbers 21:30 καὶ τὸ σπέρμα αὐτῶν ἀπολεῖται Εσεβων ἕως Δαιβων καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες ἔτι προσεξέκαυσαν πῦρ ἐπὶ Μωαβ NET Numbers 21:30 We have overpowered them; Heshbon has perished as far as Dibon. We have shattered them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba." NLT Numbers 21:30 We have utterly destroyed them, from Heshbon to Dibon. We have completely wiped them out as far away as Nophah and Medeba. " ESV Numbers 21:30 So we overthrew them; Heshbon, as far as Dibon, perished; and we laid waste as far as Nophah; fire spread as far as Medeba." NIV Numbers 21:30 "But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed all the way to Dibon. We have demolished them as far as Nophah, which extends to Medeba." KJV Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba. YLT Numbers 21:30 And we shoot them, Perished hath Heshbon unto Dibon, And we make desolate unto Nophah, Which is unto Medeba.' LXE Numbers 21:30 And their seed shall perish from Esebon to Daebon; and their women have yet farther kindled a fire against Moab. ASV Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, And we have laid waste even unto Nophah, Which reacheth unto Medeba. CSB Numbers 21:30 We threw them down; Heshbon has been destroyed as far as Dibon. We caused desolation as far as Nophah, which reaches as far as Medeba. NKJ Numbers 21:30 "But we have shot at them; Heshbon has perished as far as Dibon. Then we laid waste as far as Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." NRS Numbers 21:30 So their posterity perished from Heshbon to Dibon, and we laid waste until fire spread to Medeba." NAB Numbers 21:30 Their plowland is ruined from Heshbon to Dibon; Ar is laid waste; fires blaze as far as Medeba." NJB Numbers 21:30 Their posterity has been destroyed from Heshbon all the way to Dibon, and we have lit a fire all the way from Nophah to Medeba. GWN Numbers 21:30 But we shot the Amorites full of arrows. From Heshbon to Dibon they all died. We destroyed everyone and everything between Nophah and Medeba." have shot: Ge 49:23 2Sa 11:24 Ps 18:14 Dibon: Nu 32:34 Jos 13:17 Isa 15:2,9 Jer 48:18,22 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But we have cast them down, Heshbon is ruined as far as Dibon - "A place name also mentioned in the Mesha Stele from Moab (see above)." (FSB) Then we have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites. BGT Numbers 21:31 κατῴκησεν δὲ Ισραηλ ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσιν τῶν Αμορραίων NET Numbers 21:31 So the Israelites lived in the land of the Amorites. NLT Numbers 21:31 So the people of Israel occupied the territory of the Amorites. ESV Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites. NIV Numbers 21:31 So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. KJV Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. YLT Numbers 21:31 And Israel dwelleth in the land of the Amorite, LXE Numbers 21:31 And Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites. ASV Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. CSB Numbers 21:31 So Israel lived in the Amorites' land. NKJ Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. NRS Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. NAB Numbers 21:31 When Israel had settled in the land of the Amorites, NJB Numbers 21:31 Thus Israel occupied the Amorites' territory. GWN Numbers 21:31 So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. Nu 32:33-42 De 3:16,17 Jos 12:1-6 13:8-12 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites (see note above) Numbers 21:32 Moses sent to spy out Jazer, and they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. BGT Numbers 21:32 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Μωυσῆς κατασκέψασθαι τὴν Ιαζηρ καὶ κατελάβοντο αὐτὴν καὶ τὰς κώμας αὐτῆς καὶ ἐξέβαλον τὸν Αμορραῖον τὸν κατοικοῦντα ἐκεῖ NET Numbers 21:32 Moses sent spies to reconnoiter Jaazer, and they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. NLT Numbers 21:32 After Moses sent men to explore the Jazer area, they captured all the towns in the region and drove out the Amorites who lived there. ESV Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jazer, and they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. NIV Numbers 21:32 After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there. KJV Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there. YLT Numbers 21:32 and Moses sendeth to spy out Jaazer, and they capture its villages, and dispossess the Amorite who is there, LXE Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took it, and its villages, and cast out the Amorite that dwelt there. ASV Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took the towns thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there. CSB Numbers 21:32 After Moses sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there. NKJ Numbers 21:32 Then Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there. NRS Numbers 21:32 Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they captured its villages, and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. NAB Numbers 21:32 Moses sent spies to Jazer; Israel then captured it with its dependencies and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. NJB Numbers 21:32 Moses then sent men to reconnoitre Jazer, and Israel took it and its dependencies, evicting the Amorites who lived there. GWN Numbers 21:32 After Moses sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its cities and villages and forced out the Amorites who were there. Jazer: Nu 32:1,35 Isa 16:8,9 Jer 48:32 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Possible Location of Jazer Moses sent to spy out Jazer, and they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites (see note above) who were there - Nu 32:34-36 records specifically that "The sons of Gad built Dibon and Ataroth and Aroer, and Atroth-shophan and Jazer and Jogbehah,and Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and sheepfolds for sheep." It is a sound strategy that Joshua would not want to leave a threat behind him when the time came to cross the Jordan into Canaan. Jazer "was a city of the Amorites east of the Jordan taken, along with its towns, by Moses, and occupied by the tribe of Gad (Nu 21:32 ; Nu 32:35). The country was very fertile, and its spacious pasture-lands attracted the flock-masters of Gad (Nu 32:1), the southern border of whose territory it marked (Joshua 13:25). It was assigned to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:39 ; 1 Chronicles 6:81 ). The place was reached by Joab when taking the census (2 Samuel 24:5 ). In the 40th year of King David mighty men of valor were found here to whom he entrusted the oversight in Reuben and Gad "for every matter pertaining to God, and run the affairs of the king" (1 Chronicles 26:32 f). The fruitfulness of the country is alluded to in Isaiah 16:8 f; Jeremiah 48:32 . (ISBE) Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up by the way of Bashan, and Og the king of Bashan went out with all his people, for battle at Edrei. BGT Numbers 21:33 καὶ ἐπιστρέψαντες ἀνέβησαν ὁδὸν τὴν εἰς Βασαν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν Ωγ βασιλεὺς τῆς Βασαν εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτοῖς καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς αὐτοῦ εἰς πόλεμον εἰς Εδραϊν NET Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up by the road to Bashan. And King Og of Bashan and all his forces marched out against them to do battle at Edrei. NLT Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and marched up the road to Bashan, but King Og of Bashan and all his people attacked them at Edrei. ESV Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. NIV Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army marched out to meet them in battle at Edrei. KJV Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. YLT Numbers 21:33 and turn and go up the way of Bashan, and Og king of Bashan cometh out to meet them, he and all his people, to battle, at Edrei. LXE Numbers 21:33 And having returned, they went up the road that leads to Basan; and Og the king of Basan went forth to meet them, and all his people to war to Edrain. ASV Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. CSB Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to do battle at Edrei. NKJ Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. So Og king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. NRS Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan; and King Og of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. NAB Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan. But Og, king of Bashan, advanced against them with all his people to give battle at Edrei. NJB Numbers 21:33 They then turned and marched on Bashan. Og king of Bashan and all his people marched to meet them and give battle at Edrei. GWN Numbers 21:33 Then they turned and followed the road that goes to Bashan. King Og of Bashan and all his troops came out to fight the Israelites at Edrei. they turned: De 3:1-6 29:7 Jos 13:12 Bashan: De 32:14 Ps 22:12 68:15 Isa 33:9 Eze 27:6 39:18 Am 4:1 Og: Nu 32:33 De 1:4 3:1 4:47 29:7 Jos 9:10 12:4 13:30 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Battle of Edrei - See Edrei in right upper corner ISRAEL CONFRONTED BY OG AND ALL HIS PEOPLE Then they turned and went up by the way of Bashan, and Og the king of Bashan went out with all his people, for battle at Edrei - Moses gives more a parallel description in Deuteronomy 3:1 "“Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og, king of Bashan, with all his people came out to meet us in battle at Edrei." FSB on Edrei - A city mentioned in association with the Rephaim on tablets found at the sites of the ancient cities Ugarit and Ashtaroth. The OT also couples these cities within the region of Bashan and associates them with the giant clan Rephaim (see Dt 1:4; Josh 12:4; 13:12). Holman Bible Dictionary Bashan (bay' sshan) The northernmost region of Palestine east of the Jordan River (ED: see location in map above in top right hand corner). Though its precise extent cannot be determined with certainty, it was generally east of the Sea of Galilee. In the time of Moses it was ruled over by a king named Og, whom the Israelite army defeated (Numbers 21:33-35 ). It was assigned to the tribal area of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:13 ; Joshua 13:29-31 ). Probably on account of its frontier location, it changed hands several times during the course of Israelite history. It was known as a particularly fertile area (Deuteronomy 32:14 ; Ezekiel 39:18 ). Related Resources: Easton's Bible Dictionary Bashan Fausset Bible Dictionary Bashan Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Bashan International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Bashan Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Bashan McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Bashan The Jewish Encyclopedia Bashan American Tract Society Edrei Easton's Bible Dictionary Edrei Fausset Bible Dictionary Edrei Holman Bible Dictionary Edrei Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Edrei International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Edrei Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Edrei McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Edrei (2) Edrei The Jewish Encyclopedia Edrei Question: Who was Og king of Bashan? Answer: Og king of Bashan was a mighty and infamous Amorite king in the days of Moses who fought the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. God granted the Israelites victory over King Og’s forces, and Moses and the Israelites possessed Bashan, a fruitful land east of the Jordan River. The victory was significant because of the fearsome strength of Og and the relative inexperience of the Israelite forces. Leading up to the Israelites’ encounter with Og king of Bashan was a battle with another Amorite king, Sihon. Moses had requested that Sihon allow the Israelites to pass through his land—they promised not to take any of the Amorites’ resources along the way—but instead of granting permission, Sihon mustered his forces and attacked the Israelites. God enabled Moses and the people of Israel to defeat the Amorites and take their land (Numbers 21:21–31). Then the Israelites made their way toward Bashan, and King Og came out to confront them at Edrei (verse 33). The Israelites were frightened because Og’s reputation preceded him. But God reassured Moses, saying, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land” (verse 34). The battle between the forces of Og and Moses is described in greater detail in the book of Deuteronomy. There we read that Og was king over sixty fortified cities, all of which the Israelites captured (Deuteronomy 3:3–7). He was also a very large man—his bed was made of iron and was of enormous size: nine cubits long and four cubits wide (13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide). The inclusion of this detail emphasizes the size of Og. A man needing this size of bed was likely very tall—ten or eleven feet. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Og was one of the last of the Rephaites (Deuteronomy 3:11), which means he was strong and tall (see Deuteronomy 2:20–21). The Rephaites (or Rephaim) were a group of people who lived in Canaan and elsewhere at the time of Moses and Joshua. The word Rephaites is not an ethnic but rather a descriptive term; it literally means “terrible ones.” The Rephaim were giants and fierce fighters. Earlier, when the Israelites had first tried to enter the Promised Land, the spies reported the land was populated by giants, whom they called “Nephilim” and “sons of Anak” (Numbers 13:32–33). Og king of Bashan was one of the last of this race of giants. Goliath, the giant who fought David, was likely another. Og and his sons all lost their lives in their foolish opposition to God’s people (Numbers 21:35). Despite King Og’s great size and strength, God gave Israel’s army the victory, and they possessed the land of Bashan. The half-tribe of Manasseh inherited Og’s territory (Joshua 13:29–30). There is no obstacle too large for God; there is nothing impossible for Him (Matthew 19:26). God does not quail before giants, and neither should His children GotQuestions.org Related Resources: Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Rephaim? | GotQuestions.org Is there any evidence for the giants mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who / what were the Nephilim? Who were the sons of God and daughters of men in Genesis 6:1-4? Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? Numbers 21:34 But the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon." BGT Numbers 21:34 καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν μὴ φοβηθῇς αὐτόν ὅτι εἰς τὰς χεῖράς σου παραδέδωκα αὐτὸν καὶ πάντα τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν αὐτοῦ καὶ ποιήσεις αὐτῷ καθὼς ἐποίησας τῷ Σηων βασιλεῖ τῶν Αμορραίων ὃς κατῴκει ἐν Εσεβων NET Numbers 21:34 And the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand. You will do to him what you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. NLT Numbers 21:34 The LORD said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, along with all his people and his land. Do the same to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon." ESV Numbers 21:34 But the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon." NIV Numbers 21:34 The LORD said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon." KJV Numbers 21:34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. YLT Numbers 21:34 And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Fear him not, for into thy hand I have given him, and all his people, and his land, and thou hast done to him as thou hast done to Sihon king of the Amorite, who is dwelling in Heshbon.' LXE Numbers 21:34 And the Lord said to Moses, Fear him not; for I have delivered him and all his people, and all his land, into thy hands; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst to Seon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Esebon. ASV Numbers 21:34 And Jehovah said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon. CSB Numbers 21:34 But the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have handed him over to you along with his whole army and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon." NKJ Numbers 21:34 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon." NRS Numbers 21:34 But the LORD said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him; for I have given him into your hand, with all his people, and all his land. You shall do to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon." NAB Numbers 21:34 The LORD, however, said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him; for into your hand I will deliver him with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon." NJB Numbers 21:34 Yahweh said to Moses, 'Do not be afraid of him, for I have put him, all his people and his country at your mercy. Treat him as you treated Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.' GWN Numbers 21:34 The LORD said to Moses, "Don't be afraid of him. I'll hand him, all his troops, and his land over to you. Do to him what you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon." Fear him: Nu 14:9 De 3:1-3,11 20:3 31:6 Jos 10:8,25 Isa 41:13 for I have: De 3:3 7:24 Jos 8:7 Jud 11:30 1Sa 23:4 2Sa 5:19 1Ki 20:13,28 2Ki 3:18 thou shalt: Nu 21:24 Ps 135:10,11 as thou: Nu 21:24,25 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EXHORTATION NOT TO FEAR BUT TRUST YAHWEH'S PROMISE But the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him (Og the king of Bashan) - This encouragement to not fear the King of Og, parallels the words of the faithful Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh (Nu 14:6) in Nu 14:9 “Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” One reason they might fear Og the king of Bashan is alluded to in Dt 3:11 where we read "For only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was an iron bedstead; it is in Rabbah of the sons of Ammon. Its length was nine cubits and its width four cubits by ordinary cubit." Gotquestions adds that "Giants were widely scattered through Canaan, but were known by different local names, including Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, and Anakim. Deuteronomy 2:20–21 says the Rephaim were strong and tall, like the Anakites. Og the king of Bashan, was described as the last of the Rephaim in his land (Deuteronomy 3:11), and his bed was thirteen feet long and six feet wide." Recall that it was the "giants" that struck great fear in the 10 unbelieving spies Moses had sent into the promised land, Moses recording their fearful words "There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Nu 13:33+, context Nu 13:31-33) On this occasion Yahweh offers a an exhortation to not fear which would serve as to deter the sons of Israel seeing themselves as "grasshoppers" in the sight of Og the king of Bashan! For (term of explanation) I have given him into your hand - Yahweh gives Moses the reason Israel did not need to fear the King of Og. This recalls Yahweh's promise to Israel almost 40 years earlier when He declared "“I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you." (Ex 23:31+) Promises of Yahweh to give the enemy into your hand - Gen. 14:20; Exod. 23:31; Num. 21:34; Deut. 2:24; Deut. 2:30; Deut. 3:2; Deut. 7:24; Deut. 20:13; Jos. 6:2; Jos. 8:1; Jos. 8:7; Jos. 8:18; Jos. 10:19; Jos. 24:8; Jos. 24:11; Jdg. 4:7; Jdg. 18:10; Jdg. 20:28; 1 Sam. 23:4; 1 Sam. 24:4; 1 Sam. 24:18; 1 Sam. 26:8; 2 Sam. 5:19; 1 Ki. 20:13; 1 Ki. 20:28; 2 Ki. 3:18; 1 Chr. 14:10; 2 Chr. 16:8; 2 Chr. 18:14; 2 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 10:14; Ps. 31:5; Isa. 47:6; Ezek. 23:31; Dan. 2:38 And all his people and his land - So not just the army but the entire populace was given over to the Israelites. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon (see note), king of the Amorites (see note above), who lived at Heshbon - Moses recounted this event in Deuteronomy 3:2 writing “But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; and you shall do to him just as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.’" Numbers 21:35 So they killed him and his sons and all his people, until there was no remnant left him; and they possessed his land. BGT Numbers 21:35 καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντα τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἕως τοῦ μὴ καταλιπεῖν αὐτοῦ ζωγρείαν καὶ ἐκληρονόμησαν τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν NET Numbers 21:35 So they defeated Og, his sons, and all his people, until there were no survivors, and they possessed his land. NLT Numbers 21:35 And Israel killed King Og, his sons, and all his subjects; not a single survivor remained. Then Israel occupied their land. ESV Numbers 21:35 So they defeated him and his sons and all his people, until he had no survivor left. And they possessed his land. NIV Numbers 21:35 So they struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army, leaving them no survivors. And they took possession of his land. KJV Numbers 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land. YLT Numbers 21:35 And they smite him, and his sons, and all his people, until he hath not left to him a remnant, and they possess his land. LXE Numbers 21:35 And he smote him and his sons, and all his people, until he left none of his to be taken alive; and they inherited his land. ASV Numbers 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons and all his people, until there was none left him remaining: and they possessed his land. CSB Numbers 21:35 So they struck him, his sons, and his whole army until no one was left, and they took possession of his land. NKJ Numbers 21:35 So they defeated him, his sons, and all his people, until there was no survivor left him; and they took possession of his land. NRS Numbers 21:35 So they killed him, his sons, and all his people, until there was no survivor left; and they took possession of his land. NAB Numbers 21:35 So they struck him down with his sons and all his people, until not a survivor was left to him, and they took possession of his land. NJB Numbers 21:35 So they pressed their attack against him, his sons and all his people until there was no one left alive. And they took possession of his country. GWN Numbers 21:35 The Israelites defeated him, his sons, and all his troops, leaving no survivors. And they took possession of his land. De 3:3-17 29:7,8 Jos 12:4-6 13:12 Ps 135:10-12 136:17-21 Ro 8:37 Numbers 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL BLOTS OUT BASHAN So they killed him (Og the king of Bashan) and his sons and all his people, until there was no remnant left him; and they possessed his land - We have more detail in Dt 3:3 “So the LORD our God delivered Og also, king of Bashan, with all his people into our hand, and we smote them until no survivor was left. 4 “We captured all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we did not take from them: sixty cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 “All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. 6 “We utterly destroyed them, as we did to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women and children of every city. 7“But all the animals and the spoil of the cities we took as our booty."