For if it had been the Moabites, the Israelites might not have possessed it, Deut. 2:9 .
Historical and theological verse study from Book of Numbers, Chapter 21.
Apply the spiritual lesson of Numbers 21:26 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of Numbers 21:26 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Urbs Hesebon fuit Sehon regis Amorrhæi, qui pugnavit contra regem Moab : et tulit omnem terram, quæ ditionis illius fuerat usque Arnon.”
“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.”
“Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon.”
“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 to the Arnon.”
“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 the Arnon.”
For if it had been the Moabites, the Israelites might not have possessed it, Deut. 2:9 .
Arnon. Hence this territory, which formerly belonged to Moab, being taken in a just war, the Moabites could not lawfully retain it, as they attempted to do under Jephte, Judges xi. 13. (Grotius, Jur. iii. 6.) — Hesebon, or Esbus, was the capital, and lay over-against Jericho, twenty miles from the Jordan.
Verses 21-35 Sihon went with his forces against Israel, out of his own borders, without provocation, and so ran upon his own ruin. The enemies of God's church often perish by the counsels they think most wisely taken. Og, king of Bashan, instead of being warned by the fate of his neighbours, to make peace with Israel, makes war with them, which proves in like manner his destruction. Wicked men do their utmost to secure themselves and their possessions against the judgments of God; but all in vain, when the day comes on which they must fall. God gave Israel success, while Moses was with them, that he might see the beginning of the glorious work, though he must not live to see it finished. This was, in comparison, but as the day of small things, yet it was an earnest of great things. We must prepare for fresh conflicts and enemies. We must make no peace or truce with the powers of darkness, nor even treat with them; nor should we expect any pause in our contest. But, trusting in God, and obeying his commands, we shall be more than conquerors over every enemy.