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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Numbers 21:23 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's journey through the wilderness, detailing the aggressive refusal of Sihon, king of the Amorites, to allow Israel peaceful passage through his territory. Instead of granting their request, Sihon mobilized his forces and initiated conflict against Israel at Jahaz, setting the stage for a significant confrontation.

Historical and Cultural Context

As the Israelites journeyed towards the Promised Land, they sought to pass through various kingdoms. Having been denied passage by Edom (Numbers 20:21), Israel had previously sent messengers to Sihon, King of the Amorites, with a peaceful request to pass through his land, promising to stay on the king's highway and not disturb their fields or vineyards. Sihon's kingdom was strategically located east of the Jordan River, making passage through it crucial for Israel. His decision to gather his people and attack Israel in the wilderness, specifically at Jahaz, was an unprovoked act of hostility, demonstrating a complete disregard for Israel's peaceful intentions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: Sihon's obstinate refusal and aggressive action, though seemingly an obstacle, ultimately served God's larger plan to give Israel the land. As Deuteronomy 2:30 explains, it was the Lord God who "hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand."
  • Consequences of Hostility: Sihon's choice to confront Israel rather than allow peaceful transit led directly to the downfall of his kingdom. This highlights the severe repercussions of resisting God's chosen people and His divine will.
  • Israel's Righteous Conduct: The verse implicitly underscores Israel's initial attempt at peaceful negotiation, showcasing their adherence to God's command to seek peace where possible, even when facing a hostile encounter.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "would not suffer" translates the Hebrew verb Χ ΦΈΧͺַן (nathan), which means "to give, allow, permit." Its use here emphasizes Sihon's active and deliberate refusal to grant permission. The phrase "gathered all his people together" (Hebrew: אָבַף, asaph) signifies a full military mobilization, indicating Sihon's intent for a decisive battle rather than a mere border skirmish.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God's purposes will prevail, even in the face of human resistance and aggression. While we are called to seek peace and act justly, as Israel did in their initial request, we must also recognize that opposition may arise. In such times, believers can trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He can turn even hostile actions into opportunities to advance His plan. It encourages reliance on divine strength when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, much like Israel relied on God's power in their confrontation with Sihon. This account also serves as a reminder that those who oppose God's will often face severe consequences.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 11:20 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 15:4 (2 votes)

    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.