Numbers 21:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} smote {H5221} him with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and possessed {H3423} his land {H776} from Arnon {H769} unto Jabbok {H2999}, even unto the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}: for the border {H1366} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} was strong {H5794}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el defeated him by force of arms and took control of his land from the Arnon to the Yabok River, but only as far as the people of 'Amon, because the territory of the people of 'Amon was well defended.

Berean Standard Bible

And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:24 records Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, a pivotal moment in their journey toward the Promised Land. After Sihon aggressively refused peaceful passage and initiated conflict, God empowered Israel to utterly defeat him, leading to the possession of his strategic territory stretching from the Arnon River in the south to the Jabbok River in the north. This conquest not only marked a significant territorial gain but also powerfully demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and Israel's disciplined obedience in respecting divinely ordained boundaries, specifically the strong border of the Ammonites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:24 is situated within a crucial transitional phase of Israel's wilderness wanderings, immediately following their victory over the Canaanite king of Arad ([Numbers 21:1-3](/numbers/21-1-3 "Numbers 21:1-3 - Victory over Arad")) and their miraculous deliverance from fiery serpents through the bronze serpent ([Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Bronze Serpent")). The narrative then shifts to Israel's approach to the Transjordan region, where they seek passage through the land of the Amorites. Verses 21-23 detail Israel's polite request for peaceful passage through Sihon's territory, promising to stay on the King's Highway, and Sihon's aggressive refusal, culminating in his mustering of forces for battle at Jahaz. Verse 24, therefore, presents the climactic outcome of this confrontation, demonstrating God's direct intervention and empowerment of Israel to overcome a formidable obstacle. This victory sets the stage for the subsequent defeat of Og, king of Bashan, in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33-35 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og"), solidifying Israel's control over a significant portion of the Transjordan before their final approach to Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Numbers 21 reflects the geopolitical landscape of the Late Bronze Age (roughly 1550-1200 BC), where various city-states and tribal kingdoms controlled specific territories in the Transjordan. The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group, and Sihon's kingdom was strategically located, controlling vital trade routes that Israel needed to traverse. Warfare was a common means of territorial expansion and defense in the ancient Near East. The concept of "holy war," where God fights for His people, is profoundly evident here, distinguishing Israel's campaigns from typical ancient Near Eastern conflicts by emphasizing divine initiative and empowerment. The mention of the Arnon and Jabbok rivers precisely defines the historical and geographical boundaries of Sihon's kingdom, which served as a significant buffer state. Furthermore, the respect for the Ammonite border underscores a unique aspect of Israel's conquest, as God had specifically commanded them not to harass the descendants of Lot ([Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab") and [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon")), indicating a divine selectivity in their territorial claims, not a blanket conquest.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram"); [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant of Land")). The victory over Sihon is a tangible demonstration of God actively clearing the way for His people to inherit their promised inheritance. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine empowerment and Israel's military might** under God's guidance. Despite their past failures and wanderings, Israel, when obedient, becomes an unstoppable force, demonstrating that their strength is not their own but derived from the Lord. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **obedience to divine boundaries**. The explicit mention of the strong Ammonite border and Israel's cessation of conquest at that point foreshadows and reinforces the commands given in [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - Israel's Journey and Conquests") regarding the lands of Moab and Ammon, emphasizing that Israel's actions were not arbitrary but governed by God's specific instructions. This victory also serves as a foundational narrative, frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a testament to God's power and Israel's heritage (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:30-35](/deuteronomy/2-30-35 "Deuteronomy 2:30-35 - The Defeat of Sihon"); [Judges 11:19-22](/judges/11-19-22 "Judges 11:19-22 - Jephthah's Message to the Ammonites"); [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10-12 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Mighty Deeds")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this verb denotes a decisive, forceful strike or blow, often resulting in death or severe injury. In a military context, as here, it implies a complete and devastating defeat, signifying that Israel's engagement with Sihon was not a skirmish but a conclusive battle that utterly broke his power. It carries the weight of divine judgment against an adversary of God's people, indicating a divinely empowered victory.
* **Possessed (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** From H3423, this verb means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," or "to inherit." It signifies more than a temporary occupation; it implies the permanent taking of ownership and the establishment of control over the land. In the context of Israel, it directly links to the fulfillment of the covenant promise of land, indicating that they were beginning to inherit the territory God had promised to their forefathers.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _ʻaz'_):** From H5794, this adjective means "strong," "vehement," "harsh," or "mighty." When applied to the Ammonite border, it conveys that the boundary was either naturally formidable, well-defended militarily, or, more likely, divinely protected. It explains why Israel ceased their conquest at that point, indicating a recognition of a boundary that was not to be transgressed, implicitly by divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword,"**: This clause immediately establishes the nature and outcome of the conflict. "Israel" refers to the collective nation, acting as God's instrument in this divinely sanctioned war. "Him" refers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had aggressively opposed Israel's peaceful passage. The phrase "smote him with the edge of the sword" vividly portrays a complete and devastating military victory, signifying the utter defeat and destruction of Sihon and his forces. This was not a partial victory but a decisive, God-empowered conquest, demonstrating the Lord's active participation on behalf of His people.
* **"and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok,"**: Following the military defeat, Israel took full ownership and control of Sihon's territory. The geographical markers "from Arnon unto Jabbok" precisely define the extent of the conquered land. The Arnon River formed the southern boundary of Sihon's kingdom, and the Jabbok River formed its northern boundary. This indicates a significant and strategic territorial acquisition in the Transjordan region, an area vital for Israel's progress towards Canaan and a tangible fulfillment of God's promise of land.
* **"even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong."**: This final clause clarifies the eastern extent of Israel's conquest and provides the reason for its cessation. Israel's possession extended up to the territory of the Ammonites. The phrase "for the border of the children of Ammon was strong" explains why Israel did not proceed further. This "strength" could refer to natural defenses, military fortifications, or, more profoundly, a divinely ordained and protected boundary that Israel was commanded to respect, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammonites"). This demonstrates Israel's obedience to God's specific instructions even in the midst of conquest, highlighting their disciplined adherence to divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:24 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with conciseness and impact. The phrase "**edge of the sword**" (literally "mouth of the sword") is a vivid **metonymy** or **idiom**, a common biblical expression that personifies the sword and emphasizes the totality of destruction. It is a concise way to communicate a complete military annihilation, highlighting the devastating effectiveness of Israel's divinely empowered warfare. The use of specific geographical markers like **Arnon** and **Jabbok** serves as **topographical precision**, grounding the narrative in a real-world setting and providing concrete boundaries for the conquered territory, lending credibility and scope to the victory. Furthermore, the verse functions as a pivotal point in the **narrative progression** of Israel's journey, marking a significant transition from aimless wandering to successful territorial acquisition, demonstrating the unfolding of God's plan. The concise, declarative style of the verse, typical of historical narrative, emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of God's action through Israel. The final phrase, "for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong," acts as a **parenthetical explanation**, providing crucial context and justifying Israel's cessation of conquest, subtly highlighting their obedience to divine directives and the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal victory over Sihon is a profound demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the grant of land to Abraham's descendants. It illustrates that God actively fights for His people, clearing obstacles and empowering them to inherit what He has promised. Sihon's refusal of peaceful passage and subsequent attack were met with divine judgment, serving as a powerful reminder of the consequences for those who oppose God's sovereign plan for His chosen nation. Moreover, Israel's respect for the Ammonite border, even in the flush of victory, underscores the importance of discerning and adhering to God's specific instructions and boundaries, revealing a disciplined and obedient aspect of their conquest, not merely an unbridled expansion. This event establishes a precedent for God's active involvement in Israel's military success and His meticulous guidance of their inheritance, laying foundational truths about His character and His relationship with His people.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30-35](/deuteronomy/2-30-35 "Moses Recounts the Defeat of Sihon")
* [Judges 11:19-22](/judges/11-19-22 "Jephthah's Historical Argument to Ammon")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10-12 "God's Mighty Deeds for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:24 offers timeless insights for believers today. Just as God faithfully led Israel through the wilderness and empowered them to overcome formidable enemies to possess their promised land, He remains faithful to His promises to us. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power to navigate the "wilderness journeys" of our lives and to overcome the spiritual obstacles and adversaries we face. The victory over Sihon reminds us that when God is for us, no foe can ultimately stand against us. It calls us to courageous faith, knowing that the Lord provides the strength and strategy for victory in our spiritual battles, whether they be against temptation, doubt, or external opposition. Furthermore, Israel's obedience in respecting the Ammonite border highlights the importance of discerning and adhering to God's specific boundaries and instructions in our own lives. Even when empowered for great things, we must remain sensitive to the Lord's leading, understanding that not every path is ours to conquer, but only those He has ordained. This teaches us humility and dependence on divine guidance, ensuring our actions align with His perfect will and not merely our own ambitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness journeys" or challenging situations am I currently trusting God for breakthrough and victory?**
* **How does the account of Israel's victory over Sihon encourage me to face my own spiritual battles with greater faith and reliance on God?**
* **Are there "borders" or boundaries in my life that God has established, which I need to discern and respect, even when I feel empowered for expansion?**
* **How does this passage deepen my understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises, both to ancient Israel and to me personally, and how does that faithfulness empower my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel fight Sihon if they only wanted peaceful passage?**

Answer: Israel initially sought peaceful passage through Sihon's territory, promising to stay on the King's Highway and even offering to pay for water and food, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-22](/numbers/21-21-22 "Numbers 21:21-22 - Israel's Request to Sihon"). However, Sihon, king of the Amorites, refused their request and, instead of allowing them to pass, gathered his entire army and marched out to fight against Israel at Jahaz ([Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Sihon Attacks Israel")). This aggressive act by Sihon initiated the conflict. The biblical narrative, particularly in [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart"), reveals that God "hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate" so that Sihon would attack, allowing God to deliver him into Israel's hand. This was part of God's sovereign plan to begin giving Israel possession of the Promised Land, starting with the Transjordan region, and to demonstrate His power over those who would oppose His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:24, while recounting a historical military victory, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The conquest of Sihon's land by Israel foreshadows the greater, spiritual conquest achieved by Christ. Just as Israel, led by God, "smote" and "possessed" the land, Jesus, the true Israel, decisively conquered sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and resurrection. He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "land" Israel possessed points to the spiritual inheritance and freedom that believers receive in Christ—a kingdom not of this world, but eternal life and peace in Him ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The "strong border" of the Ammonites, which Israel respected, can be seen as a type of God's sovereign boundaries and perfect will, which Christ perfectly fulfilled, never transgressing the Father's commands but always doing what pleased Him ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Ultimately, the victory over Sihon, a king who opposed God's people, prefigures Christ's ultimate triumph over all who oppose God, establishing His eternal reign and securing an everlasting inheritance for His spiritual Israel, the Church, through His blood ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider"), [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

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

Amos 2:9

¶ Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

Genesis 32:22

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

Psalms 136:19

Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Nehemiah 9:22

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Joshua 24:8

And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

Joshua 13:8

With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

Joshua 13:10

And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;