King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:25 Mean?
“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”
Numbers 21:25 · KJV
Context
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
26
For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.
27
Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAfter defeating Sihon, 'Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.' The Hebrew 'yashab' (dwelt/settled) marks Israel's first possession of promised territory - Transjordan became Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh's inheritance (ch 32). This initial conquest demonstrated God's enabling power and encouraged faith for Canaan proper. The pattern: God gives victory, His people possess and settle. This foreshadows believers possessing spiritual inheritance in Christ (Eph 1:3, 18). We must actively possess what God has promised, moving from mere knowledge to experiential enjoyment through faith-filled obedience.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Heshbon was Sihon's capital city (v.26), a significant Amorite stronghold Israel captured and occupied. The victory fulfilled Moses' prophecy: 'the LORD thy God shall deliver him before thee' (Deut 2:33). These cities became Israel's first permanent settlements after forty years of wilderness wandering. The conquest wasn't gradual expansion but decisive victory - entire territory taken quickly. Archaeological evidence confirms Late Bronze Age destruction levels at several sites matching biblical chronology. The ease of victory contrasted with earlier feared Canaanite strength (Num 13:28-33), demonstrating that faith in God's promise overcomes intimidating obstacles.
Reflection Questions
- Are you actively possessing the spiritual inheritance God has promised, or merely acknowledging it theoretically?
- How can you move from knowing God's promises to experiencing them through faith-filled action?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsיִשְׂרָאֵל֙2 of 14
“And Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֵ֥ת3 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל4 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֣י5 of 14
“all these cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב7 of 14
“dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙8 of 14
“And Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּכָל9 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֣י10 of 14
“all these cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וּבְכָל13 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֹתֶֽיהָ׃14 of 14
“and in all the villages”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge