Numbers 21:26

KJV

For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Heshbon {H2809} was the city {H5892} of Sihon {H5511} the king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, who had fought {H3898} against the former {H7223} king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}, and taken {H3947} all his land {H776} out of his hand {H3027}, even unto Arnon {H769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heshbon was the city of Sichon, the king of the Emori, who had fought against the former king of Mo'av and conquered all his land up to the Arnon.

Berean Standard Bible

Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon.

American Standard Version

For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto the Arnon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:26 provides essential historical context for Israel's successful conquest of King Sihon's Amorite kingdom in Transjordan. It clarifies that Heshbon, Sihon's capital, and the surrounding territory up to the Arnon River, were not original Amorite possessions but had been forcibly taken by Sihon from a previous Moabite king. This detail is crucial for legitimizing Israel's subsequent occupation of the land, presenting their acquisition as a consequence of Sihon's aggression against them, rather than a direct infringement on Moabite ancestral territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately following Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the capture of his capital, Heshbon, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-25](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-25 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon"). The narrative flow establishes that Israel, seeking peaceful passage through Amorite territory, was met with hostility by Sihon, who "would not allow Israel to pass through his territory" but instead "gathered all his people together and went out against Israel in the wilderness" ([Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Sihon's Refusal and Attack")). Israel's subsequent military triumph, described as striking Sihon "with the edge of the sword" and taking possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, and from the wilderness to the Amorite border ([Numbers 21:24](/numbers/21-24 "Numbers 21:24 - Israel's Decisive Victory")), sets the stage for verse 26. This verse then functions as an explanatory note, providing the historical precedent that justifies Israel's claim to the newly acquired land, clarifying that they were taking it from the Amorites who had themselves conquered it from Moab, rather than directly from Moab. This historical detail is later invoked by Jephthah in [Judges 11](/judges/11 "Judges 11 - Jephthah's Vow and Victory") to defend Israel's territorial rights.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by dynamic geopolitical landscapes, where territorial boundaries were fluid and often determined by military strength. Kingdoms frequently expanded or contracted based on their ability to conquer and hold land. Heshbon, located strategically in Transjordan, was a significant city, controlling key trade routes. The Arnon River served as a natural and frequently contested boundary, particularly between the Moabites to the south and various northern entities, including the Amorites. Sihon, an Amorite king, had established a dominant kingdom in the region by conquering existing territories, including those formerly held by Moab. This historical reality of conquest and re-conquest was a common feature of the time. For Israel, understanding this pre-existing chain of possession was vital. It placed their conquest of Sihon's land within the framework of divine justice and historical precedent, distinguishing it from an unprovoked invasion of Moabite ancestral lands. This context also highlights the practicalities of ancient warfare and the importance of strategic locations like Heshbon.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:26 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating how God orchestrates historical events, even through the actions of pagan kings, to fulfill His promises to Israel. Sihon's prior conquest of Moabite territory, and his subsequent refusal to grant Israel passage, ultimately served God's purpose to clear the way for Israel's inheritance of land east of the Jordan, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart"). Secondly, the verse provides **Historical Justification for Israel's Conquests**. By detailing Sihon's prior seizure of land from Moab, the text legitimizes Israel's claim to this territory. They were not dispossessing Moab directly, but rather taking land from an aggressor who had himself dispossessed another. This nuance is crucial for understanding the ethical framework of Israel's land acquisition. Finally, it illustrates the realities of **Ancient Near Eastern Geopolitics and Territorial Disputes**, showcasing the constant flux of power and boundaries in the region, with natural features like the [Arnon River](/numbers/21-13 "Numbers 21:13 - The Valley of Zered and Arnon") serving as critical markers of dominion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heshbon (Hebrew, חֶשְׁבּוֹן, _Heshbon_):** A strategically important city in Transjordan, serving as the capital of King Sihon of the Amorites. Its name is thought to derive from a root meaning "reckoning" or "stronghold," reflecting its significance as a fortified administrative center. Its capture by Israel was a major military and symbolic victory, granting them control over a vital crossroads and a significant portion of the Transjordan plateau.
* **Sihon (Hebrew, סִיחוֹן, _Sihon_):** The formidable king of the Amorites, who had established a powerful kingdom east of the Jordan River. His name might relate to a root meaning "sweeping away" or "stormy," perhaps indicative of his aggressive military campaigns. His defeat by Israel, despite his initial military might, underscored God's power in clearing the way for His people.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, אֱמֹרִי, _ʾEmori_):** A prominent Semitic people group who inhabited various parts of Mesopotamia and Canaan from the third millennium BCE. In the biblical narrative, they are often depicted as powerful inhabitants of the land that Israel was destined to conquer. Here, they represent the dominant regional power that Israel directly confronted and overcame, demonstrating God's faithfulness in delivering the land into their hands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites":** This clause firmly establishes Heshbon as the capital and primary seat of power for Sihon, the Amorite king. It identifies the target of Israel's recent conquest and sets the stage for the subsequent historical explanation regarding its prior ownership. The identification of Sihon as "king of the Amorites" highlights his regional authority and the significance of his defeat.
* **"who had fought against the former king of Moab":** This crucial piece of information reveals the immediate pre-history of Heshbon's ownership. It states that Sihon had previously engaged in warfare with the Moabites, specifically their former king, and emerged victorious. This detail is pivotal for understanding the legitimacy of Israel's claim, as it implies they were taking land from a conqueror, not directly from its original, long-standing inhabitants.
* **"and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon":** This final clause specifies the extent of Sihon's conquest from Moab. It indicates that Sihon had not only captured Heshbon but also seized a significant portion of Moabite territory, extending southwards to the Arnon River. The Arnon, a major river and natural boundary, thus marked the southern limit of Sihon's Amorite kingdom, which Israel now possessed. This precise geographical detail underscores the factual nature of the historical account and the well-defined boundaries of the contested territories.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:26 primarily employs **Historical Narrative** and **Geographical Precision**. The verse functions as an explanatory aside within the broader historical account of Israel's journey and conquests, providing crucial background information necessary for understanding the territorial claims. Its inclusion serves as a form of **Justification** or **Apologia**, validating Israel's acquisition of the land by demonstrating that Sihon himself was a conqueror who had dispossessed another. The explicit naming of places like Heshbon and Arnon, and peoples like the Amorites and Moabites, exemplifies **Geographical Precision**, grounding the narrative firmly in real-world locations and historical events, thereby enhancing its credibility and providing a clear mental map for the reader. The detail also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as this historical precedent of conquest and re-conquest will be later used by Jephthah to defend Israel's land rights against the Ammonites, who claimed to represent the Moabites ([Judges 11:12-28](/judges/11-12 "Judges 11:12-28 - Jephthah's Message to the King of Ammon")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:26, though a seemingly minor historical detail, profoundly undergirds the theological understanding of Israel's inheritance of the land. It reveals God's meticulous and sovereign hand in orchestrating the geopolitical landscape to fulfill His covenant promises. The fact that Sihon had already conquered this land from Moab meant that Israel was not directly violating a long-standing claim of a people they were commanded not to harass (cf. [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - Do Not Harass Moab")). Instead, they were taking possession of territory from an aggressor who had directly opposed God's people. This highlights that God's justice operates within the complex realities of human history, using existing power dynamics to achieve His righteous ends. It underscores that the land was a divine gift, acquired not merely by human strength, but through God's providential clearing of the way.

* [Deuteronomy 2:24-25](/deuteronomy/2-24 "Deuteronomy 2:24-25 - God Commands Conquest of Sihon")
* [Judges 11:22](/judges/11-22 "Judges 11:22 - Jephthah's Defense of Israel's Land")
* [Nehemiah 9:22](/nehemiah/9-22 "Nehemiah 9:22 - God Gives Sihon and Og's Land to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry historical verse offers rich spiritual lessons. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of history, orchestrating events, even through the conflicts and conquests of nations, to accomplish His ultimate purposes. Just as God prepared the way for Israel's inheritance by revealing the true nature of the land's ownership, He often works behind the scenes in our lives, clearing obstacles, revealing hidden truths, and arranging circumstances to bring about His good and perfect will. This should cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereignty, knowing that even when we face formidable "Sihons" or seemingly insurmountable barriers, God is at work, often through means we cannot immediately perceive, to lead us into the "promised land" of His blessings and purposes. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate challenge to the greater divine plan, understanding that God's timing and methods are always perfect, leading us to our true inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical context of Numbers 21:26 deepen your appreciation for God's providential care for Israel?**
* **In what ways might God be working "behind the scenes" in your life today, clearing obstacles or preparing the way for His purposes, even if you don't fully see it yet?**
* **How can the principle of God using existing circumstances (like Sihon's prior conquest) to fulfill His will encourage you to trust Him more fully in challenging situations?**
* **What "territory" or "inheritance" is God calling you to step into, and what historical or personal "justifications" might He be revealing to encourage your faith?**

### FAQ

**Why is this specific historical detail about Sihon's conquest of Moabite land so important for the biblical narrative?**

Answer: This detail is crucially important for several reasons. First, it provides a **historical justification** for Israel's conquest of this particular territory. When Israel took the land from Sihon, they were not directly dispossessing the Moabites, whom they were commanded not to harass ([Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - Do Not Harass Moab")), but rather taking it from an Amorite king who had himself taken it by force from Moab. This nuance was vital for the ethical and legal framework of Israel's land claims. Second, it highlights **God's sovereignty and providential timing**. God used Sihon's prior conquest and his subsequent aggression against Israel to clear the way for Israel's inheritance of land east of the Jordan, demonstrating His control over the geopolitical landscape. Third, this detail becomes a **key legal precedent** later in Israel's history, notably cited by Jephthah in [Judges 11:12-28](/judges/11-12 "Judges 11:12-28 - Jephthah's Message to the King of Ammon") to defend Israel's territorial rights against the Ammonites, who were claiming the land.

**What was the significance of Heshbon as Sihon's capital?**

Answer: Heshbon was a city of immense strategic importance in Transjordan. Located on a plateau, it commanded key trade routes and offered natural defenses, making it a valuable stronghold. As Sihon's capital, its capture by Israel was not merely a territorial gain but a decisive blow to the Amorite kingdom's political and military power. Its fall symbolized the collapse of Sihon's dominion and the establishment of Israel's presence east of the Jordan River. Control of Heshbon meant control over a significant portion of the Transjordan plateau, providing Israel with a secure eastern flank as they prepared to enter Canaan.

**Who were the Amorites, and what was their relationship with Moab?**

Answer: The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people who established significant kingdoms across Mesopotamia and the Levant in the second millennium BCE. In the biblical context, they are often depicted as formidable inhabitants of Canaan and Transjordan, representing one of the powerful groups Israel was destined to dispossess. Their relationship with Moab was one of historical conflict and territorial dispute. As Numbers 21:26 indicates, Sihon, an Amorite king, had expanded his territory at the expense of Moab, conquering land up to the Arnon River. This dynamic reflects the common geopolitical struggles and shifting boundaries characteristic of the ancient Near East, where military power often dictated territorial control.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:26, though a seemingly obscure historical detail, resonates with profound Christ-centered implications, revealing God's meticulous preparation for His people's inheritance. Just as God providentially cleared the way for Israel to possess the physical land by allowing Sihon to first conquer it from Moab, so too does Christ clear the way for His spiritual people to inherit eternal life and spiritual blessings. We, like Israel, are called to an inheritance, not through our own might, but through the victory of our King. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), conquered the ultimate enemy, sin and death, disarming the spiritual powers that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is not something we earn or seize by force, but a gift freely given, secured by His decisive victory on the cross ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). We enter into a "rest" and a "promised land" that is far greater than any earthly territory, a spiritual reality secured by the one who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and prepared a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, this historical account in Numbers foreshadows the ultimate spiritual conquest and the divine provision of an eternal inheritance through Christ, our victorious King.

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.