Numbers 21:28

KJV

For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, [and] the lords of the high places of Arnon.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there is a fire {H784} gone out {H3318} of Heshbon {H2809}, a flame {H3852} from the city {H7151} of Sihon {H5511}: it hath consumed {H398} Ar {H6144} of Moab {H4124}, and the lords of the high places {H1181} of Arnon {H769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For fire burst out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sichon. It consumed 'Ar of Mo'av, the lords of Arnon's high places.

Berean Standard Bible

For a fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the rulers of Arnon’s heights.

American Standard Version

For a fire is gone out of Heshbon, A flame from the city of Sihon: It hath devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high places of the Arnon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:28 is a powerful poetic declaration, part of an ancient taunt song quoted within the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey. This verse vividly describes the destructive military might of Sihon, king of the Amorites, whose "fire" and "flame" – metaphors for his conquering armies – had previously devastated the Moabite city of Ar and its leaders along the Arnon River. Its inclusion in the biblical text serves to underscore the formidable power of the enemy Israel faced, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's subsequent victory over Sihon, which paved the way for Israel's advance into the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:28 is embedded within a unique poetic interlude (Numbers 21:27-30) that immediately follows Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites. This passage, often referred to as "The Song of Heshbon," appears to be an ancient Amorite taunt or proverb, likely celebrating Sihon's earlier conquests over Moab. The biblical author strategically quotes this song immediately after detailing Israel's triumph over Sihon (Numbers 21:21-26). By quoting a song that extols Sihon's past power, the narrative highlights the irony and magnitude of Israel's God-given victory. The preceding verses detail Sihon's refusal to grant Israel passage through his land and his subsequent military engagement, where "Israel smote him with the edge of the sword" and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, including Heshbon, his capital city (Numbers 21:24-25). The song, therefore, serves as a literary device to emphasize the divine reversal of fortune, demonstrating that the one who was once a conqueror has now been conquered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 21 occur as Israel approaches the eastern side of the Jordan River, on the cusp of entering Canaan. The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group who had established powerful kingdoms in Transjordan during the Late Bronze Age. Sihon's kingdom, centered in Heshbon, was a dominant force, having expanded its territory by conquering parts of Moab, as this verse explicitly attests. "Ar of Moab" was a significant Moabite city, and the "high places of Arnon" refer to cultic sites or strategic locations along the Arnon River, which formed a natural boundary and was often a point of contention between competing kingdoms. Ancient Near Eastern cultures frequently composed and recited taunt songs, victory odes, and proverbs to commemorate significant military achievements or to mock defeated foes. The adaptation of an existing song, even one from an enemy, to celebrate a new victory was a common practice, demonstrating the complete subjugation of the former victor. This context underscores the formidable nature of the opposition Israel faced and the divine intervention required for their success, as God "hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate" to deliver him into Israel's hand ([Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God's Sovereignty Over Sihon")).
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:28 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. While the verse describes Sihon's conquests, it implicitly sets the stage for God's greater plan. God allowed Sihon to conquer Moab, only to deliver Sihon's territory—including Heshbon and Ar—to Israel, fulfilling His promise to give them land and demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of nations. Secondly, it highlights the use of **Metaphorical Language** in biblical narrative. The imagery of "fire" and "flame" serves as a vivid metaphor for destructive military power and divine judgment, a motif seen throughout scripture, such as when God's presence is described as a consuming fire ([Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). Thirdly, the inclusion of this ancient song underscores the importance of **Historical Record and Poetic Expression** in ancient Israelite culture, demonstrating how significant victories and historical events were commemorated and understood. Finally, the verse subtly points to **The Lord's Strategic Providence**, showing how God orchestrated events, even the conquests of an enemy king, to prepare the way for His people's entry into the Promised Land, confirming His faithfulness to His covenant promises ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promise of the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fire (Hebrew, _'esh'_):** This word (אֵשׁ) is a fundamental term in Hebrew, often denoting literal fire, but frequently used metaphorically in biblical literature. Here, it is a powerful symbol of destructive force, military might, and judgment. In the context of the taunt song, "fire gone out of Heshbon" signifies the overwhelming and devastating power of Sihon's army, which swept through and laid waste to the Moabite territories. It evokes an image of rapid, consuming destruction, leaving nothing but desolation in its wake.
* **Flame (Hebrew, _lehavah'_):** The word (לֶהָבָה) is closely associated with 'esh' and often appears in parallel, intensifying the imagery of fire. While 'esh' can refer to fire generally, 'lehavah' specifically emphasizes the flickering, intense, and often upward-reaching aspect of fire. Its use here reinforces the ferocity and unstoppable nature of Sihon's military campaign, portraying his forces as an uncontrollable inferno that engulfed his enemies. The pairing of "fire" and "flame" creates a powerful, almost personified, image of destruction.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _'akh'lah'_):** This verb (אָכְלָה), derived from the root meaning "to eat" or "to devour," is used here in a past tense form (perfect tense, indicating completed action). When applied to fire, it vividly describes the total destruction or assimilation of something. In this context, it means Sihon's forces utterly destroyed, conquered, and absorbed the territory of Ar of Moab and the leaders along the Arnon. It conveys the finality and totality of the conquest, leaving no doubt about the extent of Sihon's prior dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon,"**: This opening clause establishes the source of the destructive power. Heshbon, as Sihon's capital city, is personified as the origin point of a devastating military campaign. The "fire" is a metaphor for Sihon's army, implying its swiftness, intensity, and capacity for widespread destruction. It immediately sets a tone of impending doom for those in its path.
* **"a flame from the city of Sihon:"**: This phrase parallels the first, reinforcing the imagery and explicitly linking the destructive force to King Sihon himself. The "flame" intensifies the metaphor of fire, emphasizing the ferocity and consuming nature of his military might. The repetition serves to underscore the formidable power that emanated from Sihon's kingdom.
* **"it hath consumed Ar of Moab,"**: This clause details the specific target and effect of Sihon's power. Ar of Moab was a significant Moabite city, and its "consumption" signifies its utter defeat, destruction, and subjugation by Sihon's forces. The verb "consumed" (אָכְלָה) implies a complete and devastating conquest, leaving the city in ruins or under Sihon's control.
* **"[and] the lords of the high places of Arnon."**: This final clause further specifies the extent of Sihon's conquest, indicating that his dominion extended to the leadership and cultic sites (high places) along the Arnon River, which formed a natural boundary. "Lords of the high places" likely refers to local rulers or religious figures, whose defeat signifies the complete subjugation of the region, both politically and spiritually, by Sihon.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:28 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Metaphor**. The "fire" and "flame" are not literal conflagrations but powerful metaphors for the overwhelming and destructive military might of King Sihon's army. This imagery evokes a sense of rapid, consuming devastation, much like a wildfire sweeping through a landscape. The verse also functions as part of a **Poetic Taunt** or ancient song, a common form of expression in the ancient Near East used to celebrate victories or mock defeated foes. The biblical author's inclusion of this previously Amorite song, now recontextualized, creates a profound **Irony**: the very power Sihon once wielded to conquer Moab is now turned against him by the God of Israel, making his downfall even more striking. There is also an element of **Personification**, as the "fire" and "flame" are depicted as actively "consuming" cities and lords, giving an almost living quality to the destructive force. This combination of devices makes the verse not only a historical record but also a vivid, emotionally resonant piece of poetry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:28, though part of a pagan song, is divinely repurposed within the biblical narrative to highlight God's overarching sovereignty and His meticulous preparation for His people. It reveals that even the conquests and political shifts among pagan nations are not outside of God's control but can be instruments in His grand design. Sihon's prior subjugation of Moab inadvertently weakened a future obstacle for Israel, demonstrating God's strategic providence in clearing the path for His chosen nation to inherit the Promised Land. This verse underscores the truth that God works through all circumstances, even through the actions of ungodly rulers, to fulfill His covenant promises and to demonstrate His power over all earthly kingdoms. It is a powerful reminder that while human empires rise and fall with destructive force, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord and His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart")
* [Joshua 2:10](/joshua/2-10 "Joshua 2:10 - Rahab Remembers Sihon's Defeat")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalm/135-10 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Conquests for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:28 invites us to look beyond immediate events and discern the hand of God at work in the broader sweep of history. Just as God used Sihon's conquests to prepare the way for Israel, so too does He orchestrate circumstances, sometimes through seemingly chaotic or destructive events, to advance His kingdom and fulfill His promises. For us today, this means cultivating a deep trust in God's sovereignty, even when we cannot fully comprehend His methods. It encourages us to see that no power, no empire, and no human scheme is ultimately beyond His control. When we face formidable obstacles or witness societal upheaval, this verse reminds us that God is actively working, often in unseen ways, to clear paths, bring about justice, and establish His eternal purposes. Our task is to remain faithful, knowing that the "fire" of human power, however destructive, is ultimately subject to the divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations (as seen in Sihon's story) impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "preparation" or "path-clearing," even when the means seem unconventional or difficult?**
* **How can the imagery of "fire" and "flame" as destructive power also remind us of God's refining and purifying work in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Was the "fire" in Numbers 21:28 a literal fire?**

Answer: No, the "fire" and "flame" in Numbers 21:28 are powerful metaphors, not literal conflagrations. They represent the overwhelming and destructive military might of King Sihon, whose armies swept through and conquered the Moabite territories, including Ar of Moab and the region along the Arnon River. This poetic language is common in ancient Near Eastern literature and throughout the Bible to describe the devastating impact of war and conquest. The imagery conveys the ferocity, speed, and consuming nature of Sihon's military campaigns, making his subsequent defeat by Israel all the more significant as a demonstration of God's superior power, as seen in Israel's victory over Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites ([Psalm 135:11](/psalm/135-11 "Psalm 135:11 - God's Victory Over Sihon and Og")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:28, though describing a pagan king's conquests, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's kingdom and the clearing of the path for His people through the definitive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Sihon's "fire" consumed his enemies, Christ's coming brought a divine "fire" of judgment against sin and the powers of darkness, ultimately consuming them on the cross. He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), clearing the ultimate obstacle between humanity and God. The irony of Sihon's power being turned against him foreshadows how all earthly powers and even evil itself are ultimately subjected to Christ's reign and used to advance God's redemptive plan. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who has conquered all enemies, not to establish an earthly kingdom of destruction, but to usher in an eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness, making a way for all who believe to enter the true promised land, eternal life with God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "fire" that went out from Heshbon was fleeting; the purifying and redemptive fire of Christ's work is eternal.

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 21:15

And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

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.

Jeremiah 48:46

Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.

Amos 1:7

But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:

Amos 2:2

But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, [and] with the sound of the trumpet:

Amos 2:5

But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.

Amos 1:10

But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.