Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: "Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, This is why it is statedThis phrase introduces a citation from an ancient text, suggesting that the events being described were significant enough to be recorded in a historical document. The Hebrew word for "stated" is often used in the context of formal declarations or records, indicating the importance of the events. This highlights the reliability and historical nature of the biblical narrative, affirming that God's actions in history were noteworthy and documented. in the Book of the Wars of the LORD
This mysterious book is not part of the canonical Bible, but it is referenced here as a source of historical record. The title suggests a collection of songs or accounts celebrating the victories and mighty acts of God on behalf of Israel. The term "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people, underscoring His role as a divine warrior who fights for Israel. This reference reminds believers of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of His people. Waheb in Suphah
The exact location and meaning of "Waheb in Suphah" are uncertain, as these names do not appear elsewhere in the Bible. However, they likely refer to specific places or events known to the original audience. The mention of these locations in the context of God's wars suggests that they were sites of significant divine intervention or victory. This serves as a reminder of God's presence and power in specific historical contexts, encouraging believers to trust in His guidance and protection. and the wadis of the Arnon
The "wadis" are dry riverbeds that can become torrents during the rainy season. The Arnon is a river that served as a boundary between Moab and the Amorites. Mentioning the "wadis of the Arnon" situates the narrative in a real geographical context, emphasizing the historical reality of the events. This geographical reference underscores the tangible nature of God's interventions in history, reminding believers that God's actions are not abstract but occur in the real world, affecting real people and places. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Book of the Wars of the LORDAn ancient text referenced in the Bible, believed to be a collection of songs or poems celebrating the victories of the Israelites under God's guidance. It is not part of the canonical scriptures but is cited here to provide historical context. 2. Waheb in SuphahA location mentioned in this verse, though its exact historical or geographical identity is uncertain. It is part of the poetic reference to the victories of Israel. 3. The Wadis of the ArnonThe Arnon is a river or wadi that served as a boundary between Moab and the Amorites. It is significant in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, marking a region of conflict and divine intervention. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattlesThe reference to the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" reminds us that God is the ultimate victor in the battles of life. We are called to trust in His sovereignty and guidance in our personal struggles. Historical Context and FaithUnderstanding the historical context of Israel's journey helps us appreciate the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives. The Importance of RemembranceJust as the Israelites had records of God's victories, we should keep a record of God's faithfulness in our lives. This practice strengthens our faith and provides encouragement during difficult times. God's Guidance in UncertaintyThe uncertain identity of places like Waheb in Suphah reminds us that even when we don't have all the details, God is still guiding us. We can trust Him even when the path is unclear. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the reference to the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" teach us about the importance of remembering God's past victories in our lives? 2. How can understanding the historical context of Israel's journey through the wilderness enhance our faith in God's promises today? 3. In what ways can we create our own "book of wars" to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our personal battles? 4. How does the sovereignty of God in Israel's victories encourage us to trust Him in our current challenges? 5. What practical steps can we take to trust God's guidance when we face uncertainty or lack of clarity in our life's journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 2:24-25This passage describes God's command to Israel to begin taking possession of the land of the Amorites, which includes crossing the Arnon. It highlights God's promise of victory over their enemies. Psalm 136:17-22This psalm recounts God's enduring love and His victories over various kings and nations, including those encountered by Israel during their wilderness journey. Judges 11:18This verse recounts Israel's journey through the wilderness, including their passage by the Arnon, emphasizing the historical significance of this region in Israel's conquest account. People Ammonites, Amon, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Chemosh, Israelites, Moses, Og, SihonPlaces Ar, Arad, Arnon, Bamoth, Bashan, Beer, Dedan, Dibon, Edom, Edrei, Egypt, Heshbon, Hormah, Iye-abarim, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jazer, King's Highway, Mattanah, Medeba, Moab, Mount Hor, Nahaliel, Negeb, Nophah, Oboth, Pisgah, Red Sea, Suphah, Valley of Zered, WahebTopics Amon, Arnon, Book, Brooks, Ravines, Red, Says, Suphah, Vaheb, Valley, Valleys, Wadis, Waheb, Wars, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 21:14 5232 book Numbers 21:13-15 4260 rivers and streams Library The Poison and the Antidote
'And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compare the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7. Therefore …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMan's Ruin and God's Remedy
Man has very many wants, and he should be grateful whenever the least of them is supplied. But he has one want which overtops every other: it is the want of bread. Give him raiment, house him well, decorate and adorn him, yet if you give him not bread, his body faints, he dies of hunger. Hence it is that while the earth when it is tilled is made to bring forth many things that minister unto the comfort and luxury of men, yet man is wise enough to understand that since bread is his chief want, he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their Followers Regard Thy...
The Disciple,--Master, in these days some learned men and their followers regard Thy atonement and the redemption by blood as meaningless and futile, and say that Christ was only a great teacher and example for our spiritual life, and that salvation and eternal happiness depend on our own efforts and good deeds. The Master,--1. Never forget that spiritual and religious ideas are connected less with the head than with the heart, which is the temple of God, and when the heart is filled with the presence …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 21:14 NIVNumbers 21:14 NLTNumbers 21:14 ESVNumbers 21:14 NASBNumbers 21:14 KJV
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