Numbers 21:23
Numbers 21:23 in Multiple Translations
But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel.
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.
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 came to Jahaz; and he fought against Israel.
And Sihon would not let Israel go through his land; but got all his people together and went out against Israel into the waste land, as far as Jahaz, to make war on Israel.
But Sihon refused to allow the Israelites to travel through his territory. Instead, he called out his whole army and went out to meet the Israelites head-on in the desert. When he arrived at Jahaz, he attacked the Israelites.
But Sihon gaue Israel no licence to passe through his countrey, but Sihon assembled all his people, and went out against Israel into the wildernesse: and he came to Iahoz, and fought against Israel.
And Sihon hath not suffered Israel to pass through his border, and Sihon gathereth all his people, and cometh out to meet Israel into the wilderness, and cometh in to Jahaz, and fighteth against Israel.
Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border, but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz. He fought against Israel.
And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon collected all his people, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel:
And he would not grant that Israel should pass by his borders: but rather gathering an army, went forth to meet them in the desert, and came to Jasa, and fought against them.
But King Sihon refused. He would not allow them to walk through his land. Instead, he sent his whole army to attack the Israelis in the desert. They attacked the Israelis at Jahaz village.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 21:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
נָתַ֨ן
סִיחֹ֣ן
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
עֲבֹ֣ר
בִּ/גְבֻל/וֹ֒
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֨ף
סִיחֹ֜ן
אֶת
כָּל
עַמּ֗/וֹ
וַ/יֵּצֵ֞א
לִ/קְרַ֤את
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֔רָ/ה
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
יָ֑הְצָ/ה
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נָתַ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
סִיחֹ֣ן
Çîychôwn
H5511
Sihon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ/גְבֻל/וֹ֒
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֨ף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
סִיחֹ֜ן
Çîychôwn
H5511
Sihon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עַמּ֗/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּצֵ֞א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/קְרַ֤את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֔רָ/ה
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יָ֑הְצָ/ה
Yahats
H3096
Jahaz
N-proper | Suff
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:23
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָתַ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
סִיחֹ֣ן
Çîychôwn
H5511
"Sihon"
N-proper
Sihon was an Amorite king who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was defeated by Moses in Transjordan, as recorded in Numbers 21:21. His name means warrior.
Definition: A king of Amorites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.21 § Sihon = "warrior" king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sihon. See also: Numbers 21:21; Deuteronomy 29:6; Psalms 135:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בִּ/גְבֻל/וֹ֒
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֨ף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
סִיחֹ֜ן
Çîychôwn
H5511
"Sihon"
N-proper
Sihon was an Amorite king who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was defeated by Moses in Transjordan, as recorded in Numbers 21:21. His name means warrior.
Definition: A king of Amorites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.21 § Sihon = "warrior" king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sihon. See also: Numbers 21:21; Deuteronomy 29:6; Psalms 135:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עַמּ֗/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֞א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לִ/קְרַ֤את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֔רָ/ה
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | N-ms | Suff
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יָ֑הְצָ/ה
Yahats
H3096
"Jahaz"
N-proper | Suff
Jahaz was a place east of the Jordan River where Israel defeated Sihon, the Amorite king. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant site.
Definition: § Jahaz or Jahazah or Jahzah = "trodden down" a place in Reuben east of the Dead Sea where Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites; site uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jahaz, Jahazah, Jahzah. See also: Numbers 21:23; Judges 11:20; Isaiah 15:4.
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 21:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 21:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
Context — The Defeat of Sihon
21Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
22“Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”
23But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel.
24And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. 25Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:20 | But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 29:7–8 | When you reached this place, Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan came out against us in battle, but we defeated them. We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. |
| 3 | Isaiah 15:4 | Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 2:30–32 | But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day. Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.” So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:34 | There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up. |
| 6 | Numbers 20:21 | So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. |
Numbers 21:23 Summary
[In Numbers 21:23, we see that Sihon, the king of the Amorites, refused to let the Israelites pass through his territory, despite their peaceful intentions, as described in Numbers 21:22, and this refusal led to conflict and ultimately, the conquest of his land, as seen in Numbers 21:24-25.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sihon refuse to let Israel pass through his territory?
Sihon refused to let Israel pass through his territory because he did not trust their intentions, as seen in Numbers 21:23, and this lack of faith is reminiscent of Pharaoh's stubbornness in Exodus 4:21, where God hardened Pharaoh's heart, leading to further conflict.
What can we learn from Sihon's actions in this verse?
We learn that Sihon's actions were driven by fear and a lack of faith, leading to conflict, as seen in Numbers 21:23, and this serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6, and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:26-46.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Israel's journey?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land, as described in the book of Numbers, and it highlights the challenges and conflicts they faced along the way, including the refusal of Sihon to let them pass through his territory, as seen in Numbers 21:23, which ultimately led to the conquest of his land, as described in Numbers 21:24-25, and is reminiscent of the conquests described in Joshua 1:1-9.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate disobedience and rebellion, as seen in Numbers 21:23, and is consistent with His character as described in Psalm 89:14, where it is written that 'righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne', and in Romans 9:14-24, where Paul discusses God's sovereignty in relation to the nations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am refusing to trust God, just like Sihon refused to trust Israel's intentions?
- How can I apply the lesson of Sihon's lack of faith to my own life, and what are some steps I can take to trust God more fully?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith and trust in God, even in the face of uncertainty or conflict, as seen in Numbers 21:23?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, and what are some ways that I can grow in my understanding of these attributes?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:23
And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border,.... Because he could not trust them, and confide in the promises they made, and thought it not safe to let such a body of people into any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:23
And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Israel sent messengers unto Sihon ... - (see the notes at Numbers 20:17-19.) The place from which the messengers were sent was
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
Jahaz, a city, of which see .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
Numbers 21:23 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.Ver. 23. And Sihon would not.] He durst not trust them: men muse as they use: God had also hardened his heart, that he might come forth to fetch his own destruction. Judgment need not go to find wicked men out; they run to meet their bane.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:23
23. the wilderness] See on Numbers 21:13. Jahaz] Deuteronomy 2:32, Isaiah 15:4, Jeremiah 48:34. The form Jahzah is used in Joshua 13:18; Joshua 21:36, Judges 11:20 (Heb.), Jeremiah 48:21, 1 Chronicles 6:78. The site is unknown, but it evidently lay on the eastern boundary of Sihon’s territory, since he came thither to prevent Israel from crossing it. In agreement with this it is twice mentioned with Kedemoth (Joshua 13:18; Joshua 21:36 f.), which is the name of ‘the wilderness’ in Deuteronomy 2:26, and twice seems to be named as a limit of Moab, at some distance from Heshbon (Isaiah 15:4, Jeremiah 48:34).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:23
23. Jahaz — “A place trodden down.” See Joshua 13:18, note. Fought against Israel — According to Josephus the Amorite army contained every man in the nation fit to bear arms.