King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:25 Mean?

Numbers 21:25 in the King James Version says “And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the village...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After 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.

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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

  1. Are you actively possessing the spiritual inheritance God has promised, or merely acknowledging it theoretically?
  2. How can you move from knowing God's promises to experiencing them through faith-filled action?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּקַּח֙1 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙2 of 14

“And Israel”

H3478

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

אֵ֥ת3 of 14
H853

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

כָּל4 of 14
H3605

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

עָרֵ֣י5 of 14

“all these cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָאֵ֑לֶּה6 of 14
H428

these or those

וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב7 of 14

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, 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”

H3478

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

בְּכָל9 of 14
H3605

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

עָרֵ֣י10 of 14

“all these cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י11 of 14

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן12 of 14

“in Heshbon”

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

וּבְכָל13 of 14
H3605

properly, 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”

H1323

a 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

Numbers 32:33-42Ezekiel 16:49Numbers 21:31Jeremiah 48:45Deuteronomy 2:12Isaiah 16:8-9

Places in This Verse

HeshbonSettlement · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E37 verses across 9 books
View all places in Numbers 21 →

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