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Commentary on Numbers 21 verses 10–20
We have here an account of the several stages and removals of the children of Israel, till they came into the plains of Moab, out of which they at length passed over Jordan into Canaan, as we read in the beginning of Joshua. Natural motions are quicker the nearer they are to their centre. The Israelites were now drawing near to the promised rest, and now they set forward, as the expression is, Num 21:10. It were well if we would do thus in our way to heaven, rid ground in the latter end of our journey, and the nearer we come to heaven be so much the more active and abundant in the work of the Lord. Two things especially are observable in the brief account here given of these removals: -
1.The wonderful success which God blessed his people with, near the brooks of Arnon, Num 21:13-15. They had now compassed the land of Edom (which they were not to invade, nor so much as to disturb, Deu 2:4, Deu 2:5), and had come to the border of Moab. It is well that there are more ways than one to Canaan. The enemies of God's people may retard their passage, but cannot prevent their entrance into the promised rest. Care is taken to let us know that the Israelites in their march religiously observed the orders which God gave them to use no hostility against the Moabites (Deu 2:9), because they were the posterity of righteous Lot; therefore they pitched on the other side of Arnon (Num 21:13), that side which was now in the possession of the Amorites, one of the devoted nations, though formerly it had belonged to Moab, as appears here, Num 21:26, Num 21:27. This care of theirs not to offer violence to the Moabites is pleaded by Jephtha long afterwards, in his remonstrance against the Ammonites (Jdg 11:15, etc.), and turned to them for a testimony. What their achievements were, now that they pitched on the banks of the river Arnon, we are not particularly told, but are referred to the book of the wars of the Lord, perhaps that book which was begun with the history of the war with the Amalekites, Exo 17:14. Write it (said God) for a memorial in a book, to which were added all the other battles which Israel fought, in order, and, among the rest, their actions on the river Arnon, at Vaheb in Suphah (as our margin reads it) and other places on that river. Or, it shall be said (as some read it) in the rehearsal, or commemoration, of the wars of the Lord, what he did in the Red Sea, when he brought Israel out of Egypt, and what he did in the brooks of Arnon, just before he brought them into Canaan. Note, In celebrating the memorials of God's favours to us, it is good to observe the series of them, and how divine goodness and mercy have constantly followed us, even from the Red Sea to the brooks of Arnon. In every stage of our lives, nay, in every step, we should take notice of what God has wrought for us; what he did at such a time, and what in such a place, ought to be distinctly remembered.
2.The wonderful supply which God blessed his people with at Beer (Num 21:16), which signifies the well or fountain. It is said (Num 21:10) they pitched in Oboth, which signifies bottles, so called perhaps because there they filled their bottles with water, which should last them for some time; but by this time, we may suppose, it was with them as it was with Hagar (Gen 21:15), The water was spent in the bottle; yet we do not find that they murmured, and therefore God, in compassion to them, brought them to a well of water, to encourage them to wait on him in humble silence and expectation and to believe that he would graciously take cognizance of their wants, though they did not complain of them. In this world, we do at the best but pitch in Oboth, where our comforts lie in close and scanty vessels; when we come to heaven we shall remove to Beer, the well of life, the fountain of living waters. Hitherto we have found, when they were supplied with water, they asked it in unjust discontent, and God gave it in just displeasure; but here we find, (1.) That God gave it in love (Num 21:16): Gather the people together, to be witnesses of the wonder, and joint-sharers in the favour, and I will give them water. Before they prayed, God granted, and anticipated them with the blessings of his goodness. (2.) That they received it with joy and thankfulness, which made the mercy doubly sweet to them, Num 21:17. Then they sang this song, to the glory of God and the encouragement of one another, Spring up, O well! Thus they pray that it may spring up, for promised mercies must be fetched in by prayer; they triumph that it does spring up, and meet it with their joyful acclamations. With joy must we draw water out of the wells of salvation, Isa 11:3. As the brazen serpent was a figure of Christ, who is lifted up for our cure, so is this well a figure of the Spirit, who is poured forth for our comfort, and from whom flow to us rivers of living waters, Joh 7:38. Does this well spring up in our souls? We should sing to it; take the comfort to ourselves, and give the glory to God; stir up this gift, sing to it, Spring up, O well! thou fountain of gardens, to water my soul (Sol 4:15), plead the promise, which perhaps alludes to this story (Isa 41:17, Isa 41:18), I will make the wilderness wells of water. (3.) That whereas before the remembrance of the miracle was perpetuated in the names given to the places, which signified the people's strife and murmuring, now it was perpetuated in a song of praise, which preserved on record the manner in which it was done (Num 21:18): The princes digged the well, the seventy elders, it is probable, by direction of the lawgiver (that is, Moses, under God) with their staves; that is, with their staves they made holes in the soft and sandy ground, and God caused the water miraculously to spring up in the holes which they made. Thus the pious Israelites long afterwards, passing through the valley of Baca, a dry and thirsty place, made wells, and God by rain from heaven filled the pools, Psa 84:6. Observe, [1.] God promised to give them water, but the must open the ground to receive it, and give it vent. God's favours must be expected in the use of such means as lie within our power, but still the excellency of the power is of God. [2.] The nobles of Israel were forward to set their hands to this work, and used their staves, probable those that were the ensigns of their honour and power, for the public service, and it is upon record to their honour. And we may suppose that it was a great confirmation to them in their offices, and a great comfort to the people, that they were made use of by the divine power as instruments to this miraculous supply. By this it appeared that the spirit of Moses, who must shortly die, rested in some measure upon the nobles of Israel. Moses did not strike the ground himself, as formerly the rock, but gave them direction to do it, that their staves might share in the honour of his rod, and they might comfortably hope that when he should leave them yet God would not, but that they also in their generation should be public blessings, and might expect the divine presence with them as long as they acted by the direction of the lawgiver. For comfort must be looked for only in the way of duty; and, if we would share in divine joys, we must carefully follow the divine direction.
The book of the wars: An ancient book, which, like several others quoted in scripture, has been lost.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 21:14 introduces a citation from an ancient, non-canonical source known as "the book of the wars of the LORD." This verse serves as a powerful interjection within the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, drawing attention to God's consistent and mighty interventions on behalf of His people. By referencing both the foundational miracle at the Red Sea and the more recent victories near the brooks of Arnon, the text underscores Yahweh's active role as a divine warrior, faithfully leading Israel through obstacles and towards the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a crucial segment of Israel's wilderness wanderings, following the challenging episode of the fiery serpents and the miraculous provision of healing through the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:4-9. Immediately preceding this verse, Israel has moved from Oboth to Iye-abarim, continuing their arduous journey towards the Promised Land. The mention of "the book of the wars of the LORD" acts as a parenthetical note, interrupting the geographical itinerary to highlight the divine power that enables their progress. Following this interjection, the narrative resumes with Israel's further movements and, critically, their decisive victories over the Amorite King Sihon and the Bashanite King Og, which are detailed in Numbers 21:21-35. Thus, Numbers 21:14 serves to frame these upcoming conquests within a larger theological understanding of God's historical intervention, emphasizing that their success is not by their might but by divine power.
Historical & Cultural Context: The concept of "lost books" or extra-biblical sources is not unique to this passage; other canonical texts also refer to external records (e.g., "the Book of Jashar" in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18). In the ancient Near East, it was common for nations to record their significant victories and divine interventions in historical or poetic annals. "The book of the wars of the LORD" likely functioned as such a collection of Israelite national memory, celebrating Yahweh's role as a divine warrior who fought for His people. The Red Sea event (Exodus 14) was the foundational act of deliverance, establishing God's power and Israel's identity as a liberated people. The "brooks of Arnon" (modern Wadi Mujib) marked a significant geographical boundary and the site of recent, crucial victories over the Amorites, demonstrating God's continued faithfulness as Israel approached the borders of Canaan. These events were not merely historical facts but theological markers, testifying to God's covenant loyalty and active presence throughout their journey.
Key Themes: Numbers 21:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It emphasizes Divine Sovereignty and Intervention, portraying God as actively engaged in the history of His people, not as a distant deity but as a mighty warrior who fights on their behalf. This theme is central to understanding Israel's journey through the wilderness, where their survival and progress are entirely dependent on God's miraculous provision and protection, as seen in the provision of manna (Numbers 11) or water from the rock (Numbers 20:7-11). The verse also highlights the theme of Historical Remembrance and Testimony, underscoring the importance of recalling and recording God's mighty deeds for future generations. The very existence of "the book of the wars of the LORD" implies a culture that valued the preservation and recounting of divine acts, serving to reinforce faith and identity. Finally, it speaks to Progress Towards Promise and Fulfillment, as the victories at Arnon signify Israel's tangible advancement towards the inheritance of the land promised to their ancestors, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and His unwavering commitment to bring His people into their inheritance.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 21:14 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its message. The primary device is Allusion, as the verse directly references "the book of the wars of the LORD," a source external to the immediate biblical narrative. This allusion serves to validate the historical reality of God's interventions and to connect the current narrative to a broader, well-known tradition of divine action, lending weight and authority to the theological claims. Furthermore, the pairing of the "Red Sea" and the "brooks of Arnon" functions as a Merism, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, it encompasses the spectrum of God's mighty deeds, from the foundational, miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea to the more recent, strategic victories at Arnon, illustrating the continuous and comprehensive nature of God's warfare on behalf of Israel. The verse also utilizes Historical Reference as its core, grounding the theological claims in specific, remembered events, thereby reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's character and His covenant faithfulness across generations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:14 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His active role as a divine warrior throughout their history. The reference to "the book of the wars of the LORD" emphasizes that Israel's journey was not merely a series of human endeavors but a divinely orchestrated campaign, with Yahweh Himself fighting their battles. This concept of God as a warrior who intervenes directly on behalf of His people is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, establishing a theological foundation for understanding His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness. From the initial act of liberation at the Red Sea to the ongoing conquests necessary for inheriting the land, God's hand is consistently at work, demonstrating that His promises are backed by His omnipotent power. This verse reminds us that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in the unfolding drama of redemption, ensuring the ultimate triumph of His purposes and the fulfillment of His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:14 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God who fought for ancient Israel is the same God who fights for us. Just as He intervened in grand, miraculous ways at the Red Sea and in strategic, tactical ways at Arnon, He continues to work in the lives of His people, both individually and corporately. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of remembrance, intentionally recalling God's past faithfulness in our own lives and in the history of the Church. By remembering His "wars" on our behalf – His deliverances, provisions, and victories over spiritual adversaries – we build our faith and trust for present and future challenges. It encourages us to lean into His divine power when facing our own "wilderness journeys" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord. Furthermore, it inspires us to share our testimonies, becoming living "books of the wars of the LORD" for those around us, declaring His greatness and encouraging others to trust in His unfailing might and unfailing love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was "the book of the wars of the LORD," and why is it mentioned in the Bible if it's not part of the biblical canon?
Answer: "The book of the wars of the LORD" (Hebrew: Sepher Milchamot Adonai) was an ancient, non-canonical historical or poetic work that chronicled God's military interventions on behalf of Israel. It was likely a collection of songs, narratives, or annals celebrating Yahweh's role as a divine warrior. It is mentioned in Numbers 21:14 and possibly alluded to elsewhere to validate the historical reality of the events described and to appeal to a source that was well-known and respected by the original audience. Its inclusion demonstrates that the biblical authors sometimes referenced existing literature to support their narrative or theological points, even if those sources were not preserved as part of the inspired canon. It underscores the rich literary and historical context in which the biblical narratives were formed, showing that the biblical writers were part of a broader literary culture.
What is the theological significance of referencing both the Red Sea and the brooks of Arnon in this verse?
Answer: The pairing of the Red Sea and the brooks of Arnon is highly significant. The Red Sea event (Exodus 14) represents the foundational, paradigmatic act of God's salvation and deliverance for Israel, a grand miracle that established their identity as a free people. The brooks of Arnon, on the other hand, refer to more recent, strategic victories over the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-35) as Israel approached the Promised Land. By linking these two events, the verse creates a "merism," encompassing the entire scope of God's active involvement. It demonstrates that God's intervention is not limited to singular, monumental miracles but extends to ongoing, specific battles and provisions throughout His people's journey. It assures the reader that the God who performed the great wonders of the Exodus is the same God who continues to fight for them in their present circumstances, ensuring their progress towards the fulfillment of His promises and demonstrating His consistent faithfulness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 21:14 celebrates God's physical victories for Israel, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual warfare and decisive triumph accomplished by Jesus Christ. The "wars of the LORD" in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate battle waged by the Lamb of God against the forces of sin, death, and the devil. Just as God delivered Israel from Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, Christ's death and resurrection constitute the definitive victory over spiritual bondage, disarming the powers and authorities and putting them to open shame (Colossians 2:15). The victories at Arnon, enabling Israel's progress towards the Promised Land, prefigure Christ's ongoing work to establish His kingdom and lead His people into their eternal inheritance. Jesus Himself declared, "Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out" (John 12:31). He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and through His sacrifice, He conquered the one who has the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). Believers are now called to participate in this victory, standing firm in the spiritual armor provided by Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18), knowing that the ultimate "war of the LORD" has been won by our King, Jesus Christ, who leads us in triumphal procession, proclaiming His victory over every foe (2 Corinthians 2:14).