King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:27 Mean?
“Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:”
Numbers 21:27 · KJV
Context
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.
29
Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWherefore they that speak in proverbs say (הַמֹּשְׁלִים, ha-moshelim, "the parable-makers")—Moses quotes an ancient victory song, possibly Amorite, celebrating Sihon's earlier conquest of Heshbon from Moab. Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared—The taunt invited settlement in newly conquered territory. Ironically, Israel now sings the victor's song after defeating Sihon himself.
Scripture preserves pagan poetry to demonstrate historical reversal. The conqueror becomes conquered; the boast becomes epitaph. Israel's use of Amorite victory songs to celebrate Amorite defeat shows divine irony—history's wheel turns under God's hand.
Scripture preserves pagan poetry to demonstrate historical reversal. The conqueror becomes conquered; the boast becomes epitaph. Israel's use of Amorite victory songs to celebrate Amorite defeat shows divine irony—history's wheel turns under God's hand.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern victory songs were common (cf. Exodus 15, Judges 5). This fragment suggests Amorites had their own bardic tradition. Moses' quotation demonstrates that oral poetry transmitted historical memory across cultures, and biblical writers engaged with extra-biblical sources while maintaining inspired authority.
Reflection Questions
- Where have you seen boastful victories reversed by God's justice and sovereignty?
- How does God's ironic use of enemy songs and circumstances encourage you when opponents seem triumphant?
- What 'proverbs' or cultural sayings might God be ironically fulfilling in unexpected ways around you?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsעַל1 of 10
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֛ן2 of 10
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הַמֹּֽשְׁלִ֖ים4 of 10
“Wherefore they that speak in proverbs”
H4911to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
וְתִכּוֹנֵ֖ן8 of 10
“and prepared”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
עִ֥יר9 of 10
“let the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
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 21:27 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 21:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge