Numbers 21:25

KJV

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} took {H3947} all these cities {H5892}: and Israel {H3478} dwelt {H3427} in all the cities {H5892} of the Amorites {H567}, in Heshbon {H2809}, and in all the villages {H1323} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el took all these cities - Isra'el lived in all the cities of the Emori, in Heshbon and all its surrounding towns.

Berean Standard Bible

Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages.

American Standard Version

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the towns thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:25 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing their successful occupation of the Amorite cities after a decisive victory over King Sihon. This verse signifies a crucial step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, as Israel transitioned from nomadic wandering to settling in conquered territory, particularly Heshbon and its surrounding villages, east of the Jordan River. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering their enemies into their hands and establishing them in the land He promised.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Israel's direct confrontation with Sihon, King of the Amorites. Sihon refused Israel passage through his territory and instead engaged them in battle at Jahaz, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-24](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-24 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon"). God delivered Sihon and his entire army into Israel's hand, allowing them to utterly defeat him and take possession of his land. Numbers 21:25 serves as the direct consequence and culmination of this victory, detailing the tangible result: Israel's permanent settlement in the conquered cities. This significant event also sets the stage for the subsequent victory over Og, King of Bashan, further expanding Israel's territory east of the Jordan before their entry into Canaan proper, as recounted in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Israel's Victory Over Og").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group who had established significant kingdoms in the Transjordan region and Canaan during this period. Heshbon, specifically mentioned in the verse, was the strategically important capital city of Sihon, indicating a well-established and powerful kingdom. Israel's conquest of Heshbon and its surrounding "villages" (unfortified settlements dependent on the main city) signifies a complete subjugation of Sihon's domain. This act of taking and dwelling in the cities was a common ancient Near Eastern practice following military victory, where the conquering nation would displace or absorb the defeated population and claim their territory as their own. For Israel, however, this was not merely a territorial expansion but a divine mandate, part of God's promise to give them the land of their enemies.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:25 powerfully illustrates several major themes running through the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Conquest and Possession**, highlighting Israel's successful military campaign and their subsequent taking and settling of the land. This act of "dwelling" signifies a permanent claim, contrasting sharply with their previous nomadic existence in the wilderness. It also underscores **Divine Faithfulness** and **Covenant Fulfillment**, as God actively intervenes to grant Israel victory and fulfill His ancient promise to Abraham regarding his descendants inheriting a land, as seen in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). The verse further demonstrates God's **Sovereignty** over nations and His ability to clear the way for His people, providing for their needs and establishing their boundaries as they approach the ultimate destination of the Promised Land, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 2:31-36](/deuteronomy/2-31 "Deuteronomy 2:31-36 - God Delivers Sihon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This verb, H3947, means "to take, seize, acquire, receive." In this context, it signifies a decisive act of military conquest followed by appropriation. It is not merely a temporary occupation but a permanent acquisition, indicating Israel's legal and physical claim over the cities and land of the Amorites. It underscores the completeness and finality of their victory, as they actively gained possession of what was delivered into their hands.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This crucial term, H3427, means "to sit down, remain, inhabit, settle, dwell permanently." Unlike their previous temporary encampments in the wilderness, this verb emphasizes a settled, established residence. It signifies the profound transition from a transient existence to a fixed habitation, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward the Promised Land and the tangible fulfillment of God's promise of a resting place.
* **Heshbon (Hebrew, _Cheshbôwn'_):** This proper noun, H2809, refers to the capital city of Sihon, King of the Amorites. Its specific mention highlights its strategic importance and the profound significance of its capture. Conquering the capital symbolized the complete defeat of Sihon's kingdom and the full extent of Israel's dominion over his territory. The inclusion of "all the villages thereof" further emphasizes the totality of the conquest, encompassing the entire region under Heshbon's control, from the central city to its dependent settlements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel took all these cities:"** This initial clause serves as a direct summary of the preceding narrative, where God delivered Sihon, King of the Amorites, and his army into Israel's hand (Numbers 21:21-24). The phrase "all these cities" refers to the entire urban network under Sihon's control, signifying a comprehensive military victory and the immediate acquisition of the conquered territory. It highlights the collective action of Israel, empowered by God's divine intervention.
* **"and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites,"** This second clause moves beyond mere conquest to permanent occupation. The verb "dwelt" (Hebrew _yâshab_) indicates a settled residence rather than a temporary encampment. This was a significant and transformative step for a people who had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years, marking a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to give them a land. It emphasizes the enduring nature of their possession and their establishment in the conquered territory.
* **"in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof."** This final phrase specifies the primary location of their settlement, Heshbon, which was Sihon's capital. The explicit mention of Heshbon, a prominent and strategically vital city, underscores the strategic and symbolic importance of this conquest. "And in all the villages thereof" indicates that Israel's control extended beyond the fortified city walls to encompass the entire surrounding region, including the smaller, unfortified settlements that were economically and politically tied to Heshbon, signifying complete dominion over Sihon's former kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "Israel" as the subject of action ("Israel took," "Israel dwelt") and the emphatic use of totality ("all these cities," "all the cities," "all the villages thereof"). This repetition reinforces the completeness of the conquest and highlights the direct agency of the Israelite community, empowered by God. The use of **Synecdoche** or **Merism** is present in the phrase "Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof," where Heshbon, the capital, along with its dependent villages, represents the entirety of Sihon's conquered kingdom. This concise phrasing effectively conveys the full extent of Israel's new territory. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial point of **Narrative Progression**, marking a significant shift from the transient wilderness wanderings and military engagement to the establishment of a settled presence, signifying a tangible step closer to the ultimate inheritance of the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:25 is rich with profound theological significance, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The conquest and subsequent dwelling in the Amorite cities are not merely historical events but powerful testimonies to God's active involvement in the life of His people. This victory confirms that God fights for Israel, clearing the way and providing a place of rest and inheritance, even before they fully enter Canaan. It serves as a tangible sign of His power to overcome formidable obstacles and establish His people in the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This initial possession east of the Jordan foreshadows the greater conquest of Canaan and the ultimate fulfillment of God's design for His chosen nation to dwell securely in their own land, under His sovereign rule.

* [Deuteronomy 2:31-36](/deuteronomy/2-31 "Deuteronomy 2:31-36 - God Delivers Sihon")
* [Joshua 13:21](/joshua/13-21 "Joshua 13:21 - Cities of Sihon Allotted")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Conquest of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Numbers 21:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God empowered Israel to overcome the mighty Amorites and settle in their cities, He equips us to face and conquer the spiritual strongholds in our lives. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and when He calls us to a task or offers an inheritance, He also provides the means and strength for its realization. Our "dwelling" in the spiritual territory God has given us—which includes His promises, His peace, His righteousness, and His presence—is not a passive state but an active appropriation of what Christ has already secured. It calls us to move beyond merely passing through life's challenges to actively inhabiting and living out the victory and provision God has made available. This requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to engage in the spiritual battles necessary to take possession of our spiritual inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness in enabling Israel to "take" and "dwell" in the Amorite cities encourage you in areas where you feel overwhelmed or challenged today?**
* **What "territory" (spiritual, relational, vocational) might God be calling you to "take possession of" and "dwell in" rather than merely passing through?**
* **In what ways does your "dwelling" in God's promises and provision differ from a temporary or superficial engagement with your faith?**
* **How can the historical reality of Israel's conquest inspire us to actively engage in spiritual warfare and claim the victory already won in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Amorites, and why was their defeat significant?**

Answer: The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group who had established powerful kingdoms in the land of Canaan and the Transjordan region before the Israelites' arrival. Their defeat, particularly that of King Sihon of Heshbon, was highly significant because it represented Israel's first major military victory over a well-established and formidable regional power on their journey towards the Promised Land. This victory, explicitly attributed to God's hand, demonstrated His faithfulness to deliver Israel's enemies into their power and provided them with a crucial foothold and territory east of the Jordan, which would later be allotted to several Israelite tribes, as recorded in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Tribes Settle East of Jordan").

**Why is Heshbon specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, King of the Amorites, making it a strategically vital and symbolically important target. Its capture signified the complete collapse of Sihon's kingdom and the full extent of Israel's dominion over his territory. By mentioning Heshbon, the text emphasizes the significance of this particular conquest, highlighting that Israel had not just won a battle but had taken control of a major administrative and population center, along with its surrounding "villages," thereby securing the entire region.

**Did Israel permanently keep the land conquered from the Amorites?**

Answer: Yes, the land conquered from Sihon and Og (King of Bashan), which included Heshbon and its surrounding territories, became a permanent possession for Israel. This land east of the Jordan River was later allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh, as recorded in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Tribes Settle East of Jordan") and [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land"). This marked a significant expansion of Israel's territory and was a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to give them a land to inhabit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical conquest and dwelling of Israel in the Amorite cities, as described in Numbers 21:25, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Israelites' journey from wandering to settled possession foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and rest that believers find in Christ. Just as God delivered the Amorites into Israel's hands, so too has Christ, through His death and resurrection, triumphed over all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—disarming the powers and authorities and making a public spectacle of them, as powerfully declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers"). We, the new Israel, are called not to a physical land but to "dwell" in Christ, to abide in Him as He abides in us, finding our rest, security, and true identity in Him, as Jesus Himself teaches in [John 15:4-7](/john/15-4 "John 15:4-4 - Abiding in Christ"). The promise of a dwelling place, initially a physical land, culminates in the eternal dwelling with God in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ is all in all, a glorious vision presented in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People"). Through Christ, we inherit not just a patch of land, but the very kingdom of God, a spiritual reality that transcends earthly boundaries and offers an everlasting possession and a dwelling place with God Himself, as affirmed in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ").

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

Numbers 21:31

Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.

Jeremiah 48:45

They that fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon because of the force: but a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall devour the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones.

Isaiah 16:8

For the fields of Heshbon languish, [and] the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come [even] unto Jazer, they wandered [through] the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Isaiah 16:9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

Deuteronomy 2:12

The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.

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.

Amos 2:10

Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.