Judges 11:21

And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} delivered {H5414} Sihon {H5511} and all his people {H5971} into the hand {H3027} of Israel {H3478}, and they smote {H5221} them: so Israel {H3478} possessed {H3423} all the land {H776} of the Amorites {H567}, the inhabitants {H3427} of that country {H776}.

ADONAI the God of Isra'el handed Sichon and all his people over to Isra'el, and they killed them. Thus Isra'el possessed all the territory of the Emori who lived there.

Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, who defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites who inhabited that country,

And Jehovah, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 11:21

Judges 11:21 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history, recounted by Jephthah to the Ammonite king. The verse states, "And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country." This passage underscores God's active role in Israel's ancient conquests and provides a historical basis for their territorial claims.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Jephthah's detailed historical argument to the king of Ammon, who was disputing Israel's possession of land east of the Jordan River. Jephthah reminds the Ammonite king that the land in question was not taken from Ammon, but from Sihon, king of the Amorites, long before Ammon occupied the area. The defeat of King Sihon and his kingdom, as originally described in Numbers 21:21-35 and further elaborated in Deuteronomy 2:26-37, was a critical event in Israel's journey towards the Promised Land. It demonstrated God's faithfulness in clearing the way for His people, even against powerful kings like Sihon, the Amorite ruler.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance: The phrase "the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon" is central. It emphasizes that Israel's victory over the Amorites was not merely a result of their military strength, but a direct act of divine intervention. God actively handed over the enemy to Israel, ensuring their triumph.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: The possession of the Amorites' land was a significant step towards the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land they would inherit (Genesis 12:7). This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and the unfolding of His plan.
  • God's Sovereignty in History: The narrative reinforces the biblical worldview that God is sovereign over nations and their destinies. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His will, as seen in the conquest of the Amorites.
  • Justification of Claims: Jephthah's use of this historical event serves to legitimize Israel's claim to the land, asserting that their possession was divinely sanctioned and therefore just, not an act of aggression against Ammon.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "delivered" here is nathan (ื ึธืชึทืŸ), which means "to give," "to place," or "to put." Its use powerfully conveys that God was the active agent, literally "giving" Sihon and his people into Israel's hand. This isn't passive permission but active enablement and empowerment. The term "smote them" (ื•ึทื™ึทึผื›ึผื•ึผื - vayyakkลซm) signifies a decisive and complete military defeat, leaving no doubt about the thoroughness of the victory achieved by Israel.

Practical Application

Judges 11:21 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, both individually and corporately. It encourages believers to recognize God's hand in their successes and to trust in His providence, especially when facing overwhelming odds. Just as God cleared the way for Israel to possess the land of the Amorites, He continues to work on behalf of those who are faithful to Him, providing strength and victory in spiritual battles and in navigating life's challenges. It underscores the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as a foundation for future trust in His divine intervention.

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Cross-References

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