### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çîychôwn**, represented by `{{H5511}}`, is the name for **Sihon**, an Amoritish king. Its base definition is "tempestuous." This name appears **37 times** across **34 unique verses** in the Bible. Sihon is primarily known as the Amorite king of Heshbon who opposed Israel's journey toward the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5511}}` is central to the account of Israel's conquests east of the Jordan. Sihon, **king** `{{H4428}}` of the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` dwelling in Heshbon, refused Israel's peaceful request to **pass** `{{H5674}}` through his land ([[Numbers 21:21-23]], [[Judges 11:19]]). Instead, he **gathered** `{{H622}}` his people and initiated a battle [[Numbers 21:23]]. Scripture reveals this was part of a divine plan, as the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **hardened** `{{H7185}}` Sihon's spirit to **deliver** `{{H5414}}` him into Israel's hand [[Deuteronomy 2:30]]. Israel **smote** `{{H5221}}` Sihon and his forces, utterly destroying his cities [[Deuteronomy 3:6]]. Consequently, the **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` of Sihon was given as an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh [[Numbers 32:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Sihon's story:
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (Amorite): This term identifies Sihon's people. He is consistently referred to as the **king** `{{H4428}}` of the **Amorites** `{{H567}}`, one of the prominent tribes whose land Israel was to possess ([[Deuteronomy 1:4]], [[Joshua 24:15]]).
* `{{H5747}}` **ʻÔwg** (Og): Sihon is almost always mentioned in conjunction with Og, the king of Bashan. Their joint defeat became a benchmark for God's power to deliver His people from formidable enemies ([[Joshua 2:10]], [[Psalms 135:11]]).
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to possess, inherit): This word highlights the outcome of the battle. God commanded Israel to begin to **possess** `{{H3423}}` Sihon's land [[Deuteronomy 2:24]], and they ultimately possessed it as their inheritance ([[Judges 11:21]], [[Nehemiah 9:22]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, smite): This verb describes Israel's decisive victory. Moses and the children of Israel **smote** `{{H5221}}` Sihon after they came out of Egypt, a victory repeatedly cited in scripture ([[Deuteronomy 4:46]], [[Deuteronomy 29:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5511}}` is tied to God's covenant faithfulness to Israel.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative emphasizes that God was in complete control. The **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **hardened** `{{H7185}}` Sihon's spirit and made his heart **obstinate** `{{H553}}` for the express purpose of delivering him into Israel's hands [[Deuteronomy 2:30]].
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** The defeat of Sihon was a critical step in fulfilling God's promise. The **LORD** `{{H3068}}` explicitly **gave** `{{H5414}}` Sihon's kingdom to the Israelites, commanding them to **possess** `{{H3423}}` it as their inheritance [[Deuteronomy 2:31]].
* **A Testimony of God's Power:** The victory over Sihon and Og became a foundational story of faith. It was cited as a reason for other nations to **fear** `{{H3372}}` [[Joshua 2:10]] and as an assurance for Israel that God would continue to **destroy** `{{H8045}}` their enemies [[Deuteronomy 31:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5511}}` represents more than just a historical enemy. Sihon's story is a pivotal illustration of divine sovereignty and covenant fulfillment. His resistance and defeat demonstrate how the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` orchestrates events to accomplish His will, providing for His people and judging those who oppose them. The account of Sihon serves as a lasting testament that God **delivers** `{{H5414}}` His people and **gives** `{{H5414}}` them their promised inheritance.
TRV