Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Numbers 21:24

Next

And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

And Israel {H3478} smote {H5221} him with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and possessed {H3423} his land {H776} from Arnon {H769} unto Jabbok {H2999}, even unto the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}: for the border {H1366} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} was strong {H5794}.

Isra'el defeated him by force of arms and took control of his land from the Arnon to the Yabok River, but only as far as the people of 'Amon, because the territory of the people of 'Amon was well defended.

And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified.

And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from the Arnon unto the Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

Commentary

Numbers 21:24 recounts a pivotal victory for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. After being refused passage through the land of the Amorites and subsequently attacked by their king, Sihon, Israel engaged in battle and achieved a decisive triumph.

Context of Numbers 21:24

This verse follows directly from the narrative of Israel's encounter with Sihon, king of the Amorites. After their victory over the Canaanite king of Arad (Numbers 21:1-3), Israel sought to pass peacefully through Sihon's territory. However, Sihon refused and gathered his army to fight against Israel in Jahaz. The outcome, as detailed here, was Israel's complete victory, marking a significant step in their progress towards the Promised Land.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: This conquest demonstrates God's faithfulness in beginning to give Israel possession of the land, as He had promised their forefathers. The victory over Sihon was divinely ordained, showing God clearing the way for His people.
  • Consequences of Opposition: Sihon's aggressive stance against Israel, despite their peaceful intentions, led to his kingdom's downfall. This serves as a testament to the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and His sovereign plan.
  • Israel's Military Might: Under God's guidance, Israel displayed significant military strength, "smiting him with the edge of the sword" and taking possession of his territory. This was not merely human power but God empowering His people.
  • Respect for Boundaries: The phrase "even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong" is crucial. It indicates that Israel stopped at the Ammonite border. This aligns with God's specific command not to harass the Ammonites or Moabites, as their land was not given to Israel (see Deuteronomy 2:19). This highlights Israel's obedience to divine instructions, even in conquest.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "smote him with the edge of the sword" (Hebrew: vayyakhuhu lephi cherev) is a common biblical idiom signifying a complete and decisive military defeat, often involving utter destruction. "Possessed his land" (Hebrew: vayyirash et artzo) implies taking full ownership and inheritance, not just temporary occupation. The reference to the land "from Arnon unto Jabbok" defines the significant territory conquered, two prominent rivers marking the southern and northern boundaries of Sihon's kingdom.

Practical Application

Numbers 21:24 offers several timeless insights:

  • God's Faithfulness: Just as God faithfully led Israel and fulfilled His promise to give them land, He remains faithful to His promises to us today. We can trust Him to guide us through our own "wilderness journeys" and obstacles.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The Israelites faced formidable enemies, but with God's help, they overcame. This encourages believers to face challenges and spiritual battles, knowing that God provides the strength for victory.
  • Discerning Boundaries: The respect shown for the Ammonite border reminds us of the importance of discerning and respecting God's specific instructions and boundaries in our lives, even when we are empowered for conquest or progress.

This victory over Sihon is also famously recounted by Moses in Deuteronomy 2:30-35, emphasizing God's role in hardening Sihon's heart to ensure Israel's victory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 2:9 (5 votes)

    ¶ Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

  • Genesis 32:22 (3 votes)

    And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

  • Psalms 136:19 (3 votes)

    Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Nehemiah 9:22 (3 votes)

    Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

  • Joshua 24:8 (3 votes)

    And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

  • Joshua 13:8 (2 votes)

    With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

  • Joshua 13:10 (2 votes)

    And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;