Numbers 21:30

KJV

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba.

KJV (with Strong's)

We have shot {H3384} at them; Heshbon {H2809} is perished {H6} even unto Dibon {H1769}, and we have laid them waste {H8074} even unto Nophah {H5302}, which reacheth unto Medeba {H4311}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"We shot them down; Heshbon is destroyed, all the way to Divon. We even laid waste to Nofach, which extends as far as Meidva."

Berean Standard Bible

But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba.”

American Standard Version

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, And we have laid waste even unto Nophah, Whichreacheth unto Medeba.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:30 is a poignant fragment from an ancient Amorite victory song, ironically preserved within the biblical narrative to underscore Israel's divinely orchestrated triumph over King Sihon of Heshbon. Originally a boast describing Sihon's extensive devastation of Moabite cities—Heshbon, Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba—the verse now serves as a powerful testament to the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who used the very extent of Sihon's former conquests to highlight the magnitude of Israel's new, God-given territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:30 is the concluding verse of the "Song of Heshbon" (Numbers 21:27-30), a poetic fragment quoted by the Israelites following their decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites. This song, originally composed by the Amorites to celebrate their conquest of Moab, is re-appropriated by Israel. Its inclusion immediately after the detailed account of Israel's triumph over Sihon (Numbers 21:21-26) creates a profound literary irony. The very words that once lauded Sihon's might now, by their context, serve to magnify Israel's greater, divinely-empowered victory, demonstrating that the one who conquered Moab has himself been conquered. This re-contextualization transforms a pagan boast into a testimony of Yahweh's sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described occur as Israel journeys towards the Promised Land, specifically in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. King Sihon of Heshbon was a formidable Amorite ruler who had recently expanded his kingdom by conquering territory from the Moabites, including their capital, Heshbon. The cities mentioned—Heshbon, Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba—were significant urban centers in this region, marking the geographical extent of Sihon's dominion. Ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved total devastation of conquered cities, and victory songs were common cultural expressions, serving to glorify the conquering king and intimidate rivals. The Amorite song, therefore, reflects the brutal realities of regional power struggles, while its inclusion in the biblical text highlights the unique nature of Israel's conquest as divinely ordained, rather than merely a human military feat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several significant themes. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty**, showing how God orchestrates historical events, even using the boasts of pagan kings to fulfill His purposes for Israel. The swift downfall of Sihon, despite his impressive conquests, underscores the **Fleeting Nature of Human Power and Pride**, reminding readers that earthly kingdoms are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority, as seen in the broader narrative of Israel's journey and the rise and fall of nations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:30-34](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30-34 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart")). Furthermore, the explicit mention of specific cities like [Heshbon](/numbers/21-26 "Numbers 21:26 - Heshbon, Capital of Sihon") and [Dibon](/numbers/21-30 "Numbers 21:30 - Dibon Mentioned") emphasizes the **Geographical Extent of Conquest**, marking the boundaries of the territory Israel acquired in the Transjordan, which was a crucial step in their progress towards the land promised to Abraham's descendants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"shot at them" (Hebrew, וַנִּיבָם, _vannibam'_):** This verb root (יבם) is rare and its exact meaning debated, but in this context, it strongly implies a forceful, destructive assault. Some scholars connect it to "pierce" or "devastate," while others suggest a link to "fire" or "burning," indicating a thorough destruction. The KJV's "shot at them" conveys the sense of a direct, aggressive, and effective military action, likely involving projectiles or a swift, overwhelming attack that brought about ruin.
* **"perished" (Hebrew, אָבְדָה, _’avedah'_):** Derived from the root אבד (_’avad_), meaning "to perish," "to be lost," "to be destroyed." This word emphasizes complete ruin and desolation. When applied to a city like Heshbon, it signifies not just defeat but its utter destruction and loss of its former status and inhabitants, reflecting the severe consequences of ancient warfare.
* **"laid them waste" (Hebrew, נִישָׁם, _nishsham'_):** From the root ישׁם (_yasham_), meaning "to be desolate," "to be laid waste," "to be uninhabited." This term reinforces the idea of utter destruction and desolation, indicating that the cities were left empty and ruined. It paints a picture of a landscape ravaged by war, where once-thriving communities are reduced to rubble and emptiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon":** The "We" refers to the Amorites, specifically King Sihon and his forces, boasting of their prior conquest of Moab. "Shot at them" describes their aggressive and destructive military action. Heshbon, Sihon's capital, is here identified as a city he himself conquered from the Moabites, and its destruction is linked to Dibon, indicating a wide geographical scope of the Amorite devastation of Moabite territory. This phrase sets up the profound irony, as Heshbon, the center of Sihon's power, would soon "perish" at Israel's hands.
* **"and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah":** This clause reiterates and intensifies the extent of the Amorite conquest. "Laid them waste" emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction, leaving cities desolate. The mention of Nophah further extends the geographical reach of Sihon's former dominion over Moab, highlighting the significant territory he had subdued.
* **"which [reacheth] unto Medeba":** The KJV's interpretive addition "[reacheth]" clarifies that the devastation described extends all the way to Medeba. Medeba was another significant city in the region, south of Heshbon. Its inclusion completes the geographical sweep, indicating that the Amorite conquest of Moab was comprehensive, covering a substantial area from Heshbon in the north to Medeba in the south. This extensive prior conquest by Sihon ironically underscores the even greater, divinely-empowered conquest by Israel, as they took possession of all this very territory.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:30, as part of the "Song of Heshbon," masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, where the Amorite boast of their destructive power is re-contextualized to highlight their own downfall. The very words celebrating Sihon's conquest of Moab now serve as a prelude to his defeat by Israel, demonstrating the reversal of fortunes and God's ultimate control over human affairs. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the language of "perished" and "laid them waste," common in ancient victory songs to emphasize the totality of destruction and the conqueror's might. Furthermore, the listing of specific cities—Heshbon, Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba—functions as a **Geographical Merism**, a literary technique where parts are named to represent the whole, indicating the complete and widespread nature of the Amorite conquest (and subsequently, Israel's acquisition of this entire region). The verse itself is a **Poetic Fragment**, preserving the rhythm and impactful language of an ancient oral tradition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:30, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It serves as a powerful reminder that while human kingdoms rise and fall, and human leaders boast of their might, it is God who ultimately holds the reins of history. The Amorite song, intended to glorify Sihon, becomes an unwitting prophecy of his own demise and the expansion of God's people. It teaches us that no human power, no matter how formidable, can thwart the divine plan. God uses even the actions and words of His enemies to accomplish His sovereign will, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel. This passage thus underscores the transient nature of worldly power versus the eternal stability of God's purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 2:30-34](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30-34 - God Delivers Sihon to Israel"): "But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day."
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations"): "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound irony embedded in Numbers 21:30 offers timeless lessons for believers. It challenges us to consider where we place our trust and what we boast in. Just as Sihon's impressive conquests and boasts ultimately led to his downfall, so too can our reliance on human strength, achievements, or worldly power prove fleeting and deceptive. This verse calls us to humility, reminding us that true and lasting victory belongs only to God. It encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand at work even in seemingly chaotic or adversarial circumstances, trusting that He is always moving to fulfill His purposes, often in ways we least expect. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and human might, Numbers 21:30 redirects our gaze to the One who is truly in control, inviting us to rest in His faithfulness and to boast only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the irony of Sihon's song challenge our own tendencies to boast in personal achievements or worldly security?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem to contradict your expectations?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that all true power and lasting victory come from God alone?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Song of Heshbon" and why is it included in the Book of Numbers?**

Answer: The "Song of Heshbon" (Numbers 21:27-30) is an ancient poetic fragment, originally composed by the Amorites to celebrate their king Sihon's conquest of Moabite territory, including the city of Heshbon. It is included in the Book of Numbers by Moses immediately after Israel's decisive victory over Sihon. Its purpose is profoundly ironic and theological: it re-contextualizes the Amorite boast, transforming it into a testament to God's greater power. The song, which once glorified Sihon's might, now serves to highlight the extent of the land Israel conquered from him, thereby magnifying Yahweh's sovereignty and faithfulness in giving His people the land (see [Numbers 21:24](/numbers/21-24 "Numbers 21:24 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon")).

**What is the significance of the specific cities mentioned in Numbers 21:30?**

Answer: The cities mentioned—Heshbon, Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba—were key urban centers in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. Heshbon was the capital of King Sihon's Amorite kingdom. Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba were significant cities in the Moabite territory that Sihon had conquered. Their mention in the song serves two primary purposes: first, to emphasize the extensive geographical reach of Sihon's former conquests over Moab; and second, by extension, to highlight the vast and strategic territory that Israel subsequently acquired from Sihon. This demonstrates the magnitude of Israel's divinely-given inheritance and the thoroughness of their victory, fulfilling God's promise to give them the land (compare with [Deuteronomy 2:36](/deuteronomy/2-36 "Deuteronomy 2:36 - Israel Takes Cities from Aroer to Gilead")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:30, with its narrative of a powerful earthly king's boast being turned into a testimony of his downfall, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Sihon's conquest was of land and his victory temporary, Christ's conquest is cosmic and eternal. He is the true Victor who has "shot at" and "laid waste" the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the power of the devil. The boast of human autonomy and the dominion of spiritual darkness, much like Sihon's pride, are utterly undone by Christ's cross and resurrection. Just as Israel inherited the land conquered from Sihon, believers in Christ inherit an eternal kingdom, not through earthly warfare, but through His sacrificial victory. The seemingly foolish act of the cross became the means by which God disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Christ's kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, will never perish; it is the eternal dominion that will ultimately fill the whole earth ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, the transient nature of Sihon's power points forward to the everlasting reign of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes a kingdom that knows no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of 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

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Jeremiah 48:18

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from [thy] glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, [and] he shall destroy thy strong holds.

Jeremiah 48:22

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

Numbers 32:3

Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

Numbers 32:34

And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

Genesis 49:23

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him: