King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:23 Mean?

Numbers 21:23 in the King James Version says “And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out a... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Numbers 21:23 · KJV


Context

21

And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

22

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders.

23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

24

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.

25

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof. villages: Heb. daughters


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through—Unlike Edom's refusal (Numbers 20:18-21), Sihon's rejection escalated to aggression. But Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz (יַהְצָה, Yahtsah)—This wasn't mere border defense but offensive warfare. Deuteronomy 2:30 reveals God hardened Sihon's heart, creating necessary cause for Israel's conquest.

Jahaz became the first major battle for the Promised Land, though technically in Transjordan. Sihon's aggression transformed Israel from wanderers into warriors, from request-makers into conquerors. God orchestrated circumstances so Israel's inheritance came through victory, not negotiation—preparing them for Canaan's battles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jahaz was in the Moabite plateau, later assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:18). This battle (c. 1406 BC) marked Israel's transformation into a military power. The Moabite Stone (Mesha Stele, 9th century BC) mentions Jahaz, confirming the site's historical significance in Transjordan conflicts.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God turned opposition into opportunity for conquest in your spiritual life?
  2. How do forced battles sometimes prepare you for future challenges better than negotiated peace would?
  3. Where might God be hardening opposition to move you from passive waiting to active faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתַ֨ן2 of 20

would not suffer

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

סִיחֹ֜ן3 of 20

And Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

אֶת4 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃5 of 20

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עֲבֹ֣ר6 of 20

to pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒7 of 20

through his border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֨ף8 of 20

gathered

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

סִיחֹ֜ן9 of 20

And Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

אֶת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל11 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמּ֗וֹ12 of 20

all his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיֵּצֵ֞א13 of 20

and went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִקְרַ֤את14 of 20

against

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 20

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה16 of 20

into the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וַיָּבֹ֖א17 of 20

and he came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יָ֑הְצָה18 of 20

to Jahaz

H3096

jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan

וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם19 of 20

and fought

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 21:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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