"Let us pass through your land. We will not cut through 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." Let us pass through your landThis phrase reflects a request for passage, highlighting the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "pass through" is "עָבַר" (avar), which conveys the idea of crossing over or traversing. This request is significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs, where granting passage was a gesture of hospitality and peace. The Israelites, led by Moses, sought to move peacefully through the territory of the Amorites, demonstrating their intention to avoid conflict and respect the sovereignty of the land they were passing through. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard
Here, the Israelites assure the Amorites that they will not deviate from the main road to take advantage of the land's resources. The mention of "field" and "vineyard" underscores the agricultural richness of the region, which was vital for sustenance. The Hebrew words "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh) for field and "כֶּרֶם" (kerem) for vineyard indicate cultivated land, essential for the livelihood of the inhabitants. This promise reflects the Israelites' respect for the property and resources of others, adhering to a moral code that values integrity and respect for neighbors. We will not drink the water from any well
This phrase further emphasizes the Israelites' commitment to self-sufficiency and respect for the Amorites' resources. Wells were crucial in the arid climate of the region, often being the lifeline for communities. The Hebrew word "בְּאֵר" (be'er) for well signifies a source of life and sustenance. By pledging not to drink from the wells, the Israelites demonstrate their intention to avoid imposing on the Amorites' hospitality and resources, highlighting a principle of non-interference and respect for the rights of others. We will travel the King's Highway
The "King's Highway" was an ancient trade route that ran from Egypt through the Sinai Peninsula to the northern regions of the Near East. This route was significant for commerce and communication, often used by traders and travelers. By choosing this path, the Israelites align themselves with a well-established and recognized route, indicating their desire for a peaceful and legitimate passage. The historical context of the King's Highway as a major thoroughfare underscores the Israelites' intention to follow a path of order and respect for established routes. Until we have passed through your territory
This concluding phrase reiterates the temporary nature of the Israelites' request. The Hebrew word for "territory" is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which denotes a boundary or border. This term highlights the respect for national boundaries and the sovereignty of the Amorite kingdom. The Israelites' request to pass through without permanent settlement reflects their focus on reaching their divinely promised destination, while also acknowledging the rights and territories of other nations. This approach underscores a commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for divine and human boundaries. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying to the Promised Land. 2. King Sihon of the AmoritesThe ruler of the Amorites, whose land the Israelites request to pass through. 3. The King's HighwayAn ancient trade route that the Israelites wish to use to pass through the Amorite territory. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who sends messengers to King Sihon with the request. 5. Amorite TerritoryThe land controlled by King Sihon, which the Israelites seek to traverse peacefully. Teaching Points Respect for Others' PropertyThe Israelites' request demonstrates a respect for the sovereignty and property of others, even when they have the power to take by force. Peaceful IntentionsThe emphasis on not turning aside into fields or vineyards and not drinking from wells shows a commitment to peace and integrity. Trust in God's PlanDespite the refusal, the Israelites' journey continues, reminding us to trust in God's overarching plan even when faced with obstacles. Handling RejectionThe Israelites' experience teaches us how to handle rejection with grace and to seek God's guidance in the face of closed doors. God's SovereigntyThe eventual outcome, where God delivers the Amorites into Israel's hands, underscores His control over nations and events. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Israelites' request to pass through the Amorite land reflect their respect for others' property and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of peaceful intentions in our interactions with others today? 3. How does the Israelites' experience with King Sihon teach us about handling rejection in our own lives? 4. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and how can that understanding impact our trust in Him during difficult times? 5. How can the Israelites' journey and their reliance on God's guidance encourage us in our own spiritual journey and decision-making processes? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 2:26-30This passage provides a parallel account of the Israelites' request to pass through the land and the subsequent refusal by King Sihon, highlighting God's sovereignty in hardening Sihon's heart. Judges 11:19-20Jephthah recounts the history of Israel's request to pass through the Amorite land, emphasizing the peaceful intentions of the Israelites. Matthew 10:14Jesus instructs His disciples on how to handle rejection, which can be related to the Israelites' experience of being denied passage. 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 Along, Aside, Border, Borders, Drink, Field, Fields, Highway, High-way, King's, Limits, Pass, Passed, Past, Road, Springs, Territory, Till, Travel, Turn, Vine-garden, Vineyard, Vineyards, Waters, WellsDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 21:22 4296 wells
4538 vineyard
5336 highway Numbers 21:21-23 8447 hospitality, examples 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 21:22 NIVNumbers 21:22 NLTNumbers 21:22 ESVNumbers 21:22 NASBNumbers 21:22 KJV
Numbers 21:22 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
