King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:26 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 21:26 · KJV
Context
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:
28
For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites—This explains Israel's right to Moabite-named territory: Sihon had conquered it from Moab first. Who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon—Amorite conquest invalidated Moabite claims. Israel took from Amorites what Amorites took from Moab, creating a complex geopolitical justification.
God's providence worked through pagan power struggles. Sihon's earlier conquest positioned Israel's inheritance without requiring them to fight Lot's descendants directly. Divine orchestration uses even enemy victories to prepare covenant fulfillment.
God's providence worked through pagan power struggles. Sihon's earlier conquest positioned Israel's inheritance without requiring them to fight Lot's descendants directly. Divine orchestration uses even enemy victories to prepare covenant fulfillment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Heshbon (modern Hesban, Jordan) was a fortified city on the Transjordan plateau. Excavations reveal late Bronze Age occupation, though identifying specific destruction levels with biblical battles remains debated. The city later became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:39) and appears in prophetic oracles against Moab (Isaiah 15-16, Jeremiah 48).
Reflection Questions
- How does God's sovereignty use power struggles between opponents to prepare your inheritance?
- What complex circumstances in your life might God be orchestrating for purposes you can't yet see?
- How does this passage encourage trust in divine providence even through confusing international or interpersonal conflicts?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsכִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עִ֗יר3 of 19
“was the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הִ֑וא7 of 19
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְה֣וּא8 of 19
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת14 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל15 of 19
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִיָּד֖וֹ17 of 19
“out of his hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עַד18 of 19
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
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 21:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.