Numbers 21:27

"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."

Key Reflection

Numbers 21:27 describes a complex geopolitical situation in ancient Canaan. Heshbon, a city previously under Amorite rule through King Sihon, is now being conquered and possessed by the Israelites. This verse highlights the shifting alliances and territorial changes in the region during the conquest of Canaan. The cultural context reveals that capturing Heshbon marked a significant victory for the Israelites over their enemies, symbolizing the broader theme of divine deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises to his people as they enter and settle the Promised Land.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They that speak in proverbs -The original word is almost equivalent to “the poets.” The word supplies the title of the Book of Proverbs itself; and is used of the parable proper inEzekiel 17:2; of the prophecies of Balsam inNumbers 23:7-10;Numbers 24:3-9; etc.; and of a song of triumph over Babylon inIsaiah 14:4.

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