Numbers 21:27

KJV

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs {H4911} say {H559}, Come {H935} into Heshbon {H2809}, let the city {H5892} of Sihon {H5511} be built {H1129} and prepared {H3559}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why the storytellers say, "Come to Heshbon! Let it be rebuilt! Let Sichon's city be restored!

Berean Standard Bible

That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored.

American Standard Version

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come ye to Heshbon; Let the city of Sihon be built and established:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:27 introduces a poignant fragment of an ancient Amorite taunt song, strategically quoted by the biblical author to underscore Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the subsequent capture of his capital city, Heshbon. This proverbial saying, likely a popular oral tradition, sarcastically challenges the defeated Amorites to rebuild their now-conquered city, highlighting the complete and irreversible reversal of fortunes brought about by divine intervention on behalf of Israel. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering His people and fulfilling His covenant promises of land and dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:27-30 forms a distinct poetic interlude, often referred to as the "Song of Heshbon," embedded within the broader prose narrative of Israel's wilderness journey and their initial conquests east of the Jordan River. Immediately preceding this poetic section, the narrative in [Numbers 21:21-26](/numbers/21-21-26 "Numbers 21:21-26 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon") details Israel's request for peaceful passage through Amorite territory, King Sihon's aggressive refusal, and the subsequent divinely-empowered military confrontation at Jahaz. The Lord delivered Sihon and his entire kingdom into Israel's hand, culminating in the capture of Heshbon, his capital. This "Song of Heshbon" serves as a triumphant, albeit mocking, celebration of that pivotal victory, emphasizing its profound significance and the divine agency behind it, before the narrative continues with the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33-35 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Israel's Victory Over Og").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people who established significant kingdoms in the ancient Near East, with Sihon's kingdom controlling a strategically vital region east of the Jordan River. Heshbon, as Sihon's capital, was a formidable stronghold. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, it was a common cultural practice for victorious nations to compose and recite taunt songs, laments, or proverbs to commemorate their triumphs and to mock their defeated foes. These compositions often entered the oral tradition, serving as enduring historical markers and expressions of national identity, divine favor, or even lament. The inclusion of this particular Amorite song, likely preserved and quoted by Israel, powerfully demonstrates the widespread recognition and profound impact of this victory, even from the perspective of the vanquished.
* **Key Themes:** The primary and overarching theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Conquest**, underscoring that Israel's success against Sihon was not merely a human military achievement but a direct and miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to grant His people the land. This victory, vividly described in [Deuteronomy 2:24-37](/deuteronomy/2-24-37 "Deuteronomy 2:24-37 - Israel's Conquest of Sihon"), serves as a powerful demonstration of God actively fighting for His people, a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch. Another significant theme is **The Power of Proverbial and Poetic Expression**, as the verse explicitly references "they that speak in proverbs" (Hebrew: *moshlim*), highlighting the cultural importance of oral tradition and poetic composition in commemorating major historical and theological events. Finally, the song masterfully embodies **Irony and Mockery**, as it sarcastically invites the Amorites to rebuild a city that Israel has just utterly destroyed and claimed, thereby emphasizing the complete reversal of power and the lamentable fate of Sihon's once-proud kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proverbs (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** The Hebrew term מָשָׁל (*māšāl*) is broad, encompassing various literary forms such as proverbs, parables, allegories, riddles, and even satirical or taunt songs. In this context, "they that speak in proverbs" (*moshlim*) refers to bards, poets, or wise individuals skilled in composing and reciting such commemorative or satirical pieces. The use of this term signifies that the victory over Sihon was so monumental that it became enshrined in popular oral tradition and poetic expression, serving as a memorable and culturally recognized testament to God's intervention and Israel's triumph.
* **Heshbon (Hebrew, _Cheshbôwn'_):** חֶשְׁבּוֹן (*Cheshbôwn*) was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and a strategically vital stronghold located east of the Jordan River. Its capture by Israel was a pivotal moment in their conquest of the Transjordan region, marking a significant step towards inheriting the promised land. The city's name, while not directly etymologically significant to the taunt, represents the heart of Sihon's power and thus the focal point of Israel's triumph and the Amorites' lament.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** The Hebrew verb כּוּן (*kûwn*), translated here as "prepared," fundamentally means "to be erect," "to set up," or "to establish." In the context of the taunt, "built and prepared" (Hebrew: *tibbaneh w'tikkon*) implies restoration, establishment, or making something firm and ready. The ironic use of this word highlights the futility of such an action for the Amorites, as Heshbon is now firmly in Israelite hands. It underscores the complete and permanent shift in control, emphasizing that the city is now established, but for Israel, not for Sihon's defeated people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say":** This introductory clause identifies the source of the following poetic fragment, framing it as a recognized and perhaps widely circulated saying or song among those skilled in poetic or proverbial speech. It lends authority and cultural significance to the subsequent lines, indicating that the victory's impact was so profound it entered popular discourse.
* **"Come into Heshbon":** This is an imperative invitation, but in the context of a taunt song, it functions with biting **Irony**. It is not a genuine invitation for the Amorites to return and inhabit Heshbon, but rather a sarcastic challenge. The city is now under Israelite control, its former inhabitants defeated, displaced, or destroyed. The "come" is a bitter acknowledgment of their irreversible loss and the futility of any attempt to reclaim their former glory.
* **"let the city of Sihon be built and prepared":** This phrase continues and amplifies the ironic taunt. "Built and prepared" (Hebrew: *tibbaneh w'tikkon*) implies restoration, reconstruction, and establishment. However, the city has just been devastated and conquered by Israel. The implication is either that any attempt by Sihon's people to rebuild it would be futile, or that if it is to be rebuilt, it will be under Israelite dominion, for Israel's purposes. This clause powerfully highlights the complete reversal of fortunes, where the once-proud capital of Sihon is now a spoil of war, firmly under the control of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:27 is profoundly characterized by **Irony** and **Sarcasm**. The invitation to "Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared" is deeply ironic because Heshbon has just been conquered, its former inhabitants defeated and dispersed by Israel. The "building" and "preparing" are not literal calls for the Amorites to reconstruct their city for their own benefit, but a sarcastic jab at their utter inability to do so, as the city is now firmly in Israelite hands. This pervasive irony is a hallmark of a **Taunt Song**, a common literary form in the ancient Near East used to mock defeated enemies and celebrate victory. The song also employs a subtle form of **Hyperbole** in its dramatic contrast between Sihon's former strength and his sudden, complete downfall, amplifying the magnitude of Israel's divinely-granted triumph and the irreversible nature of their defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of this ancient taunt song in Numbers 21:27 serves a profound theological purpose: to underscore God's active and decisive involvement in the history of His people. The victory over Sihon was not merely a human military achievement but a divine act, fulfilling God's promise to give Israel the land and demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. This passage illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His power to clear formidable obstacles for His chosen ones, removing powerful enemies and establishing their inheritance. The song's ironic tone, originating from the perspective of the defeated, further magnifies God's power by showing that even the adversaries recognized the overwhelming nature of their defeat and the divinely orchestrated reversal of their fortunes. It is a testament to the truth that when God fights for His people, no earthly power can stand against them.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart")
* [Joshua 12:2](/joshua/12-2 "Joshua 12:2 - Sihon, King of the Amorites")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10-12 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Conquests for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:27, though a fragment of an ancient taunt song, carries enduring relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains actively engaged in the affairs of His people, often clearing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our path. Just as He delivered Israel from formidable enemies like Sihon, He continues to work on behalf of His followers, providing strength, wisdom, and deliverance in the face of our own "giants" and challenges. This passage encourages us to remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness, for recalling His mighty acts in history strengthens our trust and confidence for present and future trials. It calls us to recognize that our victories, whether personal or corporate, are ultimately a testament to God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. We are invited to rest in His strength, knowing that He is able to bring about triumph even from seemingly impossible situations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past victories, like the conquest of Sihon, strengthen your faith in His ability to help you overcome current challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to "clear the way" for you, just as He did for Israel in the face of powerful enemies?**
* **How can we, like the "speakers in proverbs," creatively celebrate and declare God's faithfulness and mighty acts in our own lives and communities today?**

### FAQ
**What is a "taunt song" and why is it included in the Book of Numbers?**

Answer: A taunt song is a poetic or proverbial composition, common in the ancient Near East, used by victorious nations to mock their defeated enemies and celebrate their own triumph. It often employs irony, sarcasm, and hyperbole to emphasize the enemy's downfall and the victor's power. The "Song of Heshbon" in [Numbers 21:27-30](/numbers/21-27-30 "Numbers 21:27-30 - The Song of Heshbon") is included in the Book of Numbers not merely as a historical curiosity, but to underscore the magnitude of Israel's divinely-granted victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites. Its inclusion, particularly as a quote from "they that speak in proverbs," highlights that this victory was so significant it became enshrined in popular oral tradition, serving as a memorable testament to God's direct intervention and faithfulness in delivering His people the land, as promised to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")).

**Who are "they that speak in proverbs" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "They that speak in proverbs" (Hebrew: *moshlim*) refers to those who composed, recited, or preserved wise sayings, parables, allegories, or even satirical and taunt songs. In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern culture, such individuals were often bards, poets, or wise men who played a crucial role in shaping and transmitting cultural memory and theological understanding through oral tradition. Their inclusion here authenticates the song as a recognized and perhaps widely circulated piece of popular wisdom or historical commemoration, lending significant weight to the importance of Israel's victory over Sihon, as described in [Numbers 21:21-26](/numbers/21-21-26 "Numbers 21:21-26 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon"). It implies that even beyond Israel, this event was recognized as a monumental shift in power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest of Heshbon and Sihon by Israel, powerfully commemorated in this ancient taunt song, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ. Just as God cleared the way for His people Israel to inherit the promised land by defeating powerful earthly kings like Sihon, so too has Christ, the true Joshua, conquered the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. His victory on the cross and resurrection is the definitive triumph, disarming the powers and authorities and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The sarcastic invitation to "Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared" finds its spiritual parallel in the utter futility of any attempt by the forces of darkness to rebuild their fallen dominion in the face of Christ's established and eternal kingdom. Believers, through faith in Christ, are now partakers in this spiritual victory, called to live in the freedom of His triumph and to participate in the ongoing spiritual warfare, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who reigns supreme and will one day return to fully establish His righteous rule ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Habakkuk 2:6

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

Isaiah 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Numbers 21:14

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,