or סִיחֹן; from the same as סוּחַ; tempestuous; Sichon, an Amoritish king; Sihon.
Transliteration:Çîychôwn
Pronunciation:see-khone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סִיחוֹן (Çîychôwn), Strong's number `{{H5511}}`, refers exclusively to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon. Its etymology is typically traced to the root סוּחַ (suwach), Strong's number `{{H5479}}`, meaning "to sweep away," "to be swept away," or "to be carried away." This derivation lends itself to the descriptive meaning "tempestuous" or "sweeping." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this specific historical figure. However, the inherent meaning of his name may subtly foreshadow or reflect his character and the decisive, overwhelming nature of his encounter with the Israelites. The "tempestuous" quality could allude to his defiant and aggressive posture against Israel, which ultimately led to his being "swept away" by divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Sihon is a prominent figure in the historical narratives of the Pentateuch and subsequent retellings. His story is primarily detailed in [[Numbers 21:21-35]] and [[Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11]]. Upon Israel's approach to the promised land, Moses sent messengers to Sihon, requesting peaceful passage through his territory, promising to stay on the King's Highway and pay for any water or food consumed. However, Sihon, king of the Amorites, refused this request and, instead, gathered his forces and attacked Israel at Jahaz. This aggressive act provided the divine justification for Israel's conquest of his land.
The Lord hardened Sihon's spirit and made his heart obstinate, explicitly stating His intent to deliver Sihon and his land into Israel's hand ([[Deuteronomy 2:30]]). This divine intervention underscores that Sihon's defeat was not merely a military victory but a fulfillment of God's sovereign plan. Israel utterly defeated Sihon and his army, taking possession of all his cities, including Heshbon, his capital, and extending their dominion from the Arnon to the Jabbok, bordering the Ammonites.
The conquest of Sihon's territory, alongside that of Og, king of Bashan, was a foundational event for Israel's settlement east of the Jordan. It is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. For instance, [[Judges 11:19-21]] recounts Jephthah's historical argument, citing Sihon's defeat as a precedent for Israel's claim to the land. The Psalms repeatedly laud this victory as an act of divine mercy and power: [[Psalm 135:11]] lists Sihon among the kings God struck down, and [[Psalm 136:19]] celebrates it as an enduring act of God's steadfast love. Nehemiah also recalls this event in the prayer of confession, acknowledging God's mighty deeds ([[Nehemiah 9:22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to סִיחוֹן (Çîychôwn) is its proposed root, סוּחַ (suwach), Strong's number `{{H5479}}`, which conveys the idea of sweeping or being swept away, fitting the ultimate fate of King Sihon. The narrative surrounding Sihon is inextricably linked to other key figures and geographical locations:
* **Amorites** (אֱמֹרִי, 'Emoriy, `{{H567}}`): The people group ruled by Sihon, known for their powerful kingdoms and often depicted as enemies of Israel.
* **Og of Bashan** (עוֹג, 'Owgh, `{{H5747}}`): The other major Transjordanian king whose defeat immediately followed Sihon's, completing Israel's conquest of the region.
* **Heshbon** (חֶשְׁבּוֹן, Cheshbown, `{{H2809}}`): Sihon's capital city, which became an important Israelite possession.
* **Transjordan**: The region east of the Jordan River, which became the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
* **The King's Highway**: The ancient trade route through Sihon's territory, central to Israel's request for passage.
Thematically, Sihon's story connects to concepts such as divine judgment, the fulfillment of covenant promises regarding the land, the Lord's battle against the enemies of His people, and the demonstration of divine power in establishing Israel as a nation.
### Theological Significance
Sihon's encounter with Israel holds profound theological significance. Firstly, it stands as a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's sovereignty and His active involvement in the history of His people. God explicitly declares His intention to deliver Sihon into Israel's hand, indicating that Sihon's defeat was not a mere military skirmish but a divinely orchestrated event ([[Deuteronomy 2:30]]). His obstinate refusal to grant passage, divinely ordained, provided the necessary *casus belli* for Israel to engage and conquer his land, thereby fulfilling God's promise to give them territory.
Secondly, Sihon's defeat exemplifies divine judgment against the wickedness of the Amorites, whose iniquity had reached its full measure ([[Genesis 15:16]]). This event underscores God's justice and His power to dispossess nations to make way for His chosen people. The land taken from Sihon was not merely conquered but was a divine gift, foundational to Israel's identity and their initial establishment as a land-holding nation.
Thirdly, the repeated remembrance of Sihon's defeat in Psalms and other historical accounts ([[Psalm 136:19]]; [[Nehemiah 9:22]]) serves as a perpetual reminder of God's enduring *hesed* (steadfast love) and His mighty acts on behalf of Israel. It reinforces the theological truth that the Lord fights for His people, and no earthly power can ultimately thwart His redemptive purposes. Sihon, the "tempestuous" king, ultimately became a testament to the irresistible force of God's plan.
### Summary
Sihon (סִיחוֹן, `{{H5511}}`), whose name likely means "tempestuous," was the Amorite king of Heshbon, a pivotal figure in Israel's early history. His refusal to grant Israel peaceful passage and subsequent attack led to a decisive, divinely orchestrated defeat at Jahaz. This victory, alongside that over Og of Bashan, secured for Israel the vital Transjordanian territory. Theologically, Sihon's fall demonstrates Yahweh's sovereign power, His faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises to Israel, and His just judgment against wicked nations. Remembered throughout biblical history, Sihon's defeat remains a powerful testimony to God's enduring love and His active role in establishing His people.
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