Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Then IsraelThe term "Israel" here refers to the nation of the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God ( Genesis 32:28). This highlights the collective identity of the people as God's chosen nation, set apart for His purposes. Historically, Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The use of "Israel" emphasizes the unity and shared destiny of the tribes as they navigate the challenges of their wilderness journey. sent messengers
The act of sending messengers is a diplomatic gesture, indicating a desire for peaceful communication and negotiation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sending messengers was a common practice for establishing treaties or requesting passage through foreign lands. This reflects Israel's initial intention to avoid conflict and seek a peaceful resolution. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) conveys the idea of dispatching or commissioning, underscoring the purposeful and deliberate nature of this action. to Sihon
Sihon was the king of the Amorites, a significant Canaanite group inhabiting the region east of the Jordan River. The mention of Sihon introduces a key figure in Israel's journey, as his refusal to grant passage leads to a pivotal confrontation. Historically, the Amorites were known for their fortified cities and military prowess, making Sihon a formidable opponent. The encounter with Sihon marks a turning point in Israel's conquest of the land, demonstrating God's power and provision in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. king of the Amorites
The title "king" denotes Sihon's authority and leadership over the Amorites, a people known for their strength and influence in the region. The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as inhabitants of Canaan, often in opposition to Israel. This phrase sets the stage for the impending conflict, highlighting the political and military dynamics at play. The Amorites' resistance to Israel's passage underscores the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the struggle between God's people and the forces opposed to His purposes. saying
The word "saying" introduces the content of the message that Israel's messengers are about to deliver. It signifies the beginning of a formal communication, reflecting the importance of words and dialogue in resolving disputes. In the biblical narrative, speech acts often carry significant weight, as they reveal intentions, establish covenants, and convey divine commands. The use of "saying" here prepares the reader for the unfolding dialogue and the subsequent actions that will shape Israel's journey. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Jacob, who are journeying to the Promised Land. 2. MessengersRepresentatives sent by Israel to communicate with Sihon, indicating a diplomatic approach. 3. SihonThe king of the Amorites, a significant figure in the account as he controls the territory Israel seeks to pass through. 4. AmoritesA group of ancient people living in the land east of the Jordan River, often seen as adversaries to Israel. 5. Diplomatic RequestThe event where Israel seeks peaceful passage through the Amorite territory, highlighting their initial desire to avoid conflict. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking PeaceIsrael's initial approach to Sihon demonstrates the value of seeking peaceful resolutions before resorting to conflict. As believers, we are called to pursue peace in our interactions with others. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsThe account shows God's control over the situation, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:30, where God hardens Sihon's heart. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even when human plans seem to fail. The Role of Obedience and FaithIsrael's journey and their interactions with other nations require obedience to God's commands and faith in His promises. We are encouraged to trust God's guidance in our own journeys. The Consequences of RejectionSihon's refusal to allow Israel passage leads to his downfall. This serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's people and purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Israel's approach to Sihon about handling potential conflicts in our own lives? 2. How does the account of Sihon and the Amorites illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 3. In what ways does Israel's journey to the Promised Land parallel our spiritual journey as Christians? 4. How can we apply the principle of seeking peace, as seen in Israel's request to Sihon, in our daily interactions with others? 5. What are the potential consequences of rejecting God's plans and purposes, as demonstrated by Sihon's response to Israel? How can this inform our decision-making as believers? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 2:26-30This passage provides a parallel account of Israel's request to Sihon, offering additional details about the interaction and God's role in hardening Sihon's heart. Judges 11:19-20Jephthah recounts the history of Israel's interaction with Sihon, emphasizing the legitimacy of Israel's request and the subsequent conflict. Romans 12:18This New Testament verse encourages believers to live peaceably with all, reflecting Israel's initial peaceful approach to Sihon. 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 Amorite, Amorites, Messengers, Saying, SihonDictionary of Bible Themes 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 21:21 NIVNumbers 21:21 NLTNumbers 21:21 ESVNumbers 21:21 NASBNumbers 21:21 KJV
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