Numbers 21:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sihon {H5511} would not suffer {H5414} Israel {H3478} to pass {H5674} through his border {H1366}: but Sihon {H5511} gathered {H622} all his people {H5971} together {H622}, and went out {H3318} against {H7125} Israel {H3478} into the wilderness {H4057}: and he came {H935} to Jahaz {H3096}, and fought {H3898} against Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sichon would not allow Isra'el to pass through his territory. Instead, Sichon mustered all his people and went out into the desert to fight Isra'el. On reaching Yachatz, he fought Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

But Sihon would not let Israel pass 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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:23 details the aggressive and unprovoked refusal of Sihon, king of the Amorites, to grant Israel peaceful passage through his territory. Despite Israel's earlier diplomatic request, Sihon mobilized his entire military force, marching into the wilderness to engage Israel in battle at Jahaz. This pivotal confrontation set the stage for a significant divine intervention and marked a crucial step in Israel's journey toward the Promised Land, demonstrating the consequences of resisting God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point in the narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, immediately following Israel's peaceful request for passage through Sihon's land in [Numbers 21:21-22](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-22 - Israel's Request to Sihon"). Having been denied passage by Edom earlier (as recounted in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom's Refusal")), Israel's diplomatic approach to Sihon underscores their desire to avoid conflict. Sihon's aggressive response in [Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Sihon's Aggression") directly precipitates the ensuing battle described in [Numbers 21:24-25](/numbers/21-24 "Numbers 21:24-25 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon"), leading to Israel's conquest of Amorite territory. This event serves as a foundational narrative for later retellings of Israel's history, particularly in [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - Israel's Journey and Conquests") and [Judges 11](/judges/11 "Judges 11 - Jephthah's Vow and Victory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sihon was the king of the Amorites, whose capital was Heshbon, a strategically important city east of the Jordan River. His kingdom controlled a vital north-south route, often referred to as the "King's Highway." In the ancient Near East, granting passage through one's territory was a significant act, often requiring treaties or payment, and refusal could easily lead to conflict. Sihon's decision to "gather all his people together" and confront Israel in the wilderness at Jahaz was not a defensive maneuver but an aggressive, pre-emptive strike. This act reflects the common practice of kings asserting their dominance and control over their borders and trade routes, viewing any large, migrating group as a potential threat. The Amorites were a formidable people, and their resistance highlights the military challenge Israel faced, emphasizing the divine assistance required for their subsequent victory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as Sihon's obstinate refusal and aggressive action, though seemingly an obstacle, ultimately served God's larger plan to give Israel the land east of the Jordan. As [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart") explicitly states, "the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand." Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Conquest and Inheritance**, demonstrating how God actively fights for His people to fulfill His covenant promises of land. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces **Israel's Righteous Conduct**; their initial attempt at peaceful negotiation, despite their divine mandate to conquer, showcases their adherence to God's command to seek peace where possible, even when facing a hostile encounter, before resorting to warfare.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"would not suffer" (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (_nātan_) typically means "to give, place, put, allow, permit." In this context, its negative construction ("would not give/permit") strongly emphasizes Sihon's deliberate and active refusal. It's not a passive inability but an intentional withholding of permission, indicating a hardened stance and a clear rejection of Israel's peaceful overture. This refusal is presented as a volitional act on Sihon's part, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.
* **"gathered all his people together" (Hebrew, _ʾāsap_):** The verb אָסַף (_ʾāsap_) means "to gather, collect, assemble." The phrase "all his people" (כָּל־עַמּוֹ, _kol-ʿammō_) signifies a comprehensive military mobilization. This was not a small skirmish force but the full might of Sihon's army, indicating his intent for a decisive, pitched battle rather than a mere border patrol or defensive stand. It underscores the gravity of the confrontation and Sihon's aggressive posture.
* **"fought" (Hebrew, _lāḥam_):** The verb לָחַם (_lāḥam_) means "to fight, wage war." Its use here describes the direct engagement in battle. Combined with Sihon's proactive movement "into the wilderness" and his arrival at Jahaz, it highlights the initiation of hostilities by Sihon. This was an unprovoked attack, framing Israel's subsequent actions as a response to aggression, thereby justifying their conquest in the narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border:"** This clause establishes the primary conflict: Sihon's explicit and intentional refusal to grant Israel the peaceful passage they had requested. It immediately sets up the confrontation, highlighting Sihon's obstinacy and his determination to prevent Israel's movement.
* **"but Sihon gathered all his people together,"** This part details Sihon's response to Israel's request, which was not merely a refusal but an active and aggressive mobilization. The gathering of "all his people" indicates a full military deployment, signaling his intent to engage in a full-scale battle rather than merely blocking passage.
* **"and went out against Israel into the wilderness:"** This phrase emphasizes Sihon's offensive posture. He did not wait for Israel to approach his fortified cities; instead, he took the initiative, marching out into open territory ("the wilderness") to confront them. This demonstrates his confidence and aggressive intent.
* **"and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel."** This final clause specifies the location of the battle and confirms the initiation of hostilities. Jahaz was a significant site, indicating a planned confrontation rather than an accidental encounter. The act of "fighting against Israel" solidifies Sihon's role as the aggressor, legitimizing Israel's subsequent military response and conquest of his territory.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:23 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Narrative Contrast**, juxtaposing Israel's peaceful and diplomatic request for passage (implied from the preceding verses) with Sihon's aggressive and unprovoked military mobilization. This contrast highlights Israel's righteous conduct and frames Sihon's actions as unjustifiable hostility. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** as Sihon's decision to fight ultimately leads to his utter defeat and the loss of his kingdom, setting a precedent for other nations who might oppose Israel's divinely ordained progress. Furthermore, the mention of Sihon going "out against Israel into the wilderness" rather than waiting behind his defenses creates **Dramatic Irony** for the reader who understands God's overarching plan; Sihon's aggressive move, intended to thwart Israel, ironically brings about his own downfall and facilitates Israel's conquest of his land, aligning with God's sovereign purpose. This also hints at **Divine Providence** as a guiding force behind the narrative, where human actions, even hostile ones, are ultimately woven into God's larger tapestry of redemption and covenant fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:23 is a profound illustration of God's sovereign hand guiding His people through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Sihon's refusal and subsequent aggression were not random events but were divinely orchestrated to fulfill God's promise to give Israel the land. This passage teaches that God can use the opposition of His enemies to advance His purposes, transforming what appears to be a roadblock into a pathway for His people's progress and the demonstration of His power. It underscores the principle that those who set themselves against God's will, particularly against His chosen people, ultimately face severe consequences, while God's faithfulness to His covenant promises remains unwavering.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "God Hardens Sihon's Spirit")
* [Joshua 24:8](/joshua/24-8 "God Gives Sihon to Israel")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "God's Conquests for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:23 offers powerful lessons for believers today. Just as Israel faced unexpected and aggressive opposition from Sihon, we too may encounter resistance, hostility, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our journey of faith or in pursuing God's call. This passage reminds us that even when we act with integrity and seek peaceful resolutions, opposition may arise. In such moments, we are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that He can turn even the most aggressive human resistance into an opportunity to display His power and advance His divine plan. It encourages us not to be dismayed by opposition but to lean into God's strength, knowing that He fights for His people and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, it serves as a sober reminder that resisting God's will or opposing His people carries significant consequences, urging us to align our hearts and actions with His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Sihon's aggressive refusal challenge our assumptions about how God's plan unfolds?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing "Sihon-like" opposition, and how can this passage encourage your trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **What does Israel's initial peaceful request teach us about our approach to conflict, even when we believe we are on God's side?**
* **How does the ultimate outcome for Sihon inform our understanding of the consequences of resisting God's will?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Jahaz in this battle?**

Answer: Jahaz (also spelled Jahzah or Jazah) was a town located east of the Jordan River, in the territory later allotted to Reuben (Joshua 13:18) and eventually given to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:36). Its significance in Numbers 21:23 lies in its role as the specific battleground where Sihon confronted Israel. By moving "into the wilderness" to Jahaz, Sihon initiated the conflict on his terms, outside of his fortified cities. This choice, however, proved to be his undoing, as Israel, empowered by God, decisively defeated him there, leading to the conquest of his entire kingdom. The location underscores the premeditated nature of Sihon's aggression and the decisive victory God granted Israel.

**Why did Sihon refuse Israel's peaceful request and choose to fight?**

Answer: While the immediate text of Numbers 21:23 simply states Sihon's refusal, [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "God Hardens Sihon's Heart") provides the divine perspective: "But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand, as he is this day." This indicates that Sihon's refusal and subsequent aggression were not merely a political decision but part of God's sovereign plan. God hardened Sihon's heart, just as He did with Pharaoh, to bring about His purposes—in this case, to deliver Sihon's land into Israel's hands as part of their inheritance. Sihon's choice to fight was an act of free will, yet it perfectly aligned with God's overarching redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confrontation with Sihon in Numbers 21:23, though an Old Testament historical event, resonates with profound Christ-centered implications. Just as Sihon aggressively opposed God's people and their divinely appointed journey, humanity, in its fallen state, often opposes God's will and the advance of His kingdom. However, the ultimate victory over Sihon foreshadows the definitive triumph of Christ over all spiritual enemies. Jesus, the true Israel, did not merely seek passage but came to establish His kingdom by confronting the powers of darkness head-on. His death on the cross was the ultimate battle, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate conquest, demonstrating His authority over sin, death, and the grave. Like Sihon's kingdom given to Israel, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")). Believers, as part of Christ's body, are called to participate in His ongoing conquest, not through physical warfare, but by proclaiming the Gospel and living out the transforming power of His kingdom, knowing that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Church Built on Christ")). Thus, Sihon's defeat is a powerful type of Christ's victory over every opposing force, securing the ultimate inheritance for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 11:20

But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

Deuteronomy 29:8

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

Jeremiah 48:34

From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh, [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

Deuteronomy 2:32

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.

Isaiah 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.