Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; let Sihon’s city be restored. New Living Translation Therefore, the ancient poets wrote this about him: “Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt! Let the city of Sihon be restored. English Standard Version Therefore the ballad singers say, “Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established. Berean Standard Bible That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. Berean Literal Bible Upon thus the speakers of proverbs say: “Come to Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and be repaired. King James Bible Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: New King James Version Therefore those who speak in proverbs say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be built; Let the city of Sihon be repaired. New American Standard Bible For that reason those who use proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon be established. NASB 1995 Therefore those who use proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon be established. NASB 1977 Therefore those who use proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon be established. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore those who use proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon! Let it be built! So let the city of Sihon be established. Amplified Bible That is why those who use proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon, Let the city of Sihon be built and established. Berean Annotated Bible That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon (stronghold), let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon (warrior) be restored. Christian Standard Bible Therefore the poets say: Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore the poets say: Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. American Standard Version Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come ye to Heshbon; Let the city of Sihon be built and established: Contemporary English Version That's why the Amorites had written this poem about Heshbon: Come and rebuild Heshbon, King Sihon's capital city! English Revised Version Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come ye to Heshbon, Let the city of Sihon be built and established: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is why the poets say: "Come to Heshbon! Rebuild it! Restore Sihon's city! Good News Translation That is why the poets sing, "Come to Heshbon, to King Sihon's city! We want to see it rebuilt and restored. International Standard Version Therefore the ones who speak in proverbs say: Come to Heshbon and let it be built! Let the city of Sihon be established! NET Bible That is why those who speak in proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon, let it be built. Let the city of Sihon be established! New Heart English Bible Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established; Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. World English Bible Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontherefore those using allegories say: “Enter Heshbon, "" Let the city of Sihon be built and ready, Berean Literal Bible Upon thus the speakers of proverbs say: “Come to Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and be repaired. Young's Literal Translation therefore those using similes say -- 'Enter ye Heshbon, Let the city of Sihon be built and ready, Smith's Literal Translation For this they will say, using parables, Come ye to Heshbon; the city of Sihon shall be built and prepared. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore it is said in the proverb: Come into Hesebon, let the city of Sehon be built and set up: Catholic Public Domain Version About this, it is said in the proverb: “Enter into Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be established and built. New American Bible That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt, let Sihon’s city be firmly constructed. New Revised Standard Version Therefore the ballad singers say, “Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWherefore they say in the proverbs. Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this, they were saying in a parable: “Enter Kheshbon, built and established the city of Sihon. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Wherefore they that speak in parables say: Come ye to Heshbon! Let the city of Sihon be built and established! Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore say they who deal in dark speeches, Come to Esebon, that the city of Seon may be built and prepared. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Defeat of Sihon…26Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon. 27That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. 28For a fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the rulers of Arnon’s heights.… Cross References That is why the poets say: Proverbs 1:6 by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. Habakkuk 2:6 Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ Micah 2:4 In that day they will take up a proverb against you and taunt you with this bitter lamentation: ‘We are utterly ruined! He has changed the portion of my people. How He has removed it from me! He has allotted our fields to traitors.’” “Come to Heshbon, Joshua 13:17 to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, Joshua 21:39 Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. Jeremiah 48:45 “Those who flee will stand helpless in Heshbon’s shadow, because fire has gone forth from Heshbon and a flame from within Sihon. It devours the foreheads of Moab and the skulls of the sons of tumult. let it be rebuilt; Isaiah 61:4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. Isaiah 44:26 who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ Amos 9:14 I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. let the city of Sihon be restored. Deuteronomy 2:24-25 “Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. / This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” Deuteronomy 3:2 But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” Joshua 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead, Judges 11:12-28 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” / The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.” / Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites … Isaiah 15:1-9 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! / Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. / In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. … Jeremiah 48:1-47 Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. / There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon they devise evil against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from nationhood.’ You too, O people of Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you. / A voice cries out from Horonaim: ‘Devastation and great destruction!’ … Amos 2:1-3 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned to lime the bones of Edom’s king. / So I will send fire against Moab to consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, amid war cries and the sound of the ram’s horn. / I will cut off the ruler of Moab and kill all the officials with him,” says the LORD. Treasury of Scripture Why they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, Isaiah 14:4 That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! Jump to Previous Building Built City Enter Established Heshbon Makers Making Parables Poets Prepared Proverbs Ready Rebuilt Restored Sayings Sihon Similes Singers Speak Strong Use Using Wherefore WiseJump to Next Building Built City Enter Established Heshbon Makers Making Parables Poets Prepared Proverbs Ready Rebuilt Restored Sayings Sihon Similes Singers Speak Strong Use Using Wherefore WiseNumbers 21 1. Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah4. The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents 7. They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent 10. Various journeys of the Israelites 21. Sihon is overcome 33. And Og That is why the poets say: This phrase introduces a quotation from ancient poetry, suggesting that the events described were significant enough to be memorialized in song or verse. In the ancient Near East, poets often played a role in preserving history and culture through oral tradition. This indicates the importance of the events surrounding Heshbon and Sihon in Israel's history. “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. Persons / Places / Events 1. PoetsThe verse references poets or those who recite proverbs, indicating a cultural practice of recording and celebrating historical events through poetry or song. 2. Heshbon A significant city in the region, originally a Moabite city, which became the capital of King Sihon of the Amorites. It symbolizes conquest and victory in this context. 3. Sihon The Amorite king who captured Heshbon from the Moabites. His defeat by the Israelites is a pivotal event in their journey to the Promised Land. 4. Amorites A group of ancient people living in the land of Canaan, often in conflict with the Israelites. Their defeat represents God's provision and faithfulness to Israel. 5. Israelites The people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying to the Promised Land. Their victory over Sihon is a testament to God's promise and power. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe victory over Sihon and the Amorites is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises and His timing. The Power of Testimony and Remembrance The use of poetry to commemorate victories serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to remember and share testimonies of God's work in their lives. Spiritual Warfare and Victory Just as Israel faced physical battles, believers face spiritual battles. Victory comes through reliance on God's strength and guidance. The Importance of Obedience The Israelites' success was contingent on their obedience to God's commands. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for experiencing His blessings. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The defeat of Sihon illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and leaders. Believers can find peace in knowing that God is in control of world events. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 21:27?2. How does Numbers 21:27 illustrate the importance of God's guidance in battles? 3. What lessons can we learn from the Amorites' defeat in Numbers 21:27? 4. How does Numbers 21:27 connect to God's promises to Israel in Deuteronomy? 5. How can we apply the victory in Numbers 21:27 to spiritual battles today? 6. What role does faith play in overcoming obstacles, as seen in Numbers 21:27? 7. What is the historical context of Numbers 21:27 and its significance in Israel's conquest? 8. How does Numbers 21:27 reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel? 9. What role do the "poets" mentioned in Numbers 21:27 play in biblical narrative? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21? 11. Numbers 21:23-24 - Is there any archaeological or historical corroboration for Israel's defeat of King Sihon and the confiscation of his territory? 12. Numbers 27:1-11 compared to Deuteronomy 21:15-17: Why do inheritance rules seem to evolve, potentially contradicting the idea of unchanging divine law? 13. In Psalm 135:10-11, God is said to have struck down nations (including Sihon and Og)--why is there limited archaeological evidence of such direct divine intervention? 14. Psalm 136:19-20 records the defeat of Sihon and Og; do nonbiblical sources confirm these conquests, or could they be mythological exaggerations? What Does Numbers 21:27 Mean That is why the poets say• The narrator pauses the historical account to cite an already‐familiar victory song, underscoring the reliability of the events just recorded (cf. Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18). • By appealing to “poets,” Scripture shows that even non-Israelite ballads affirmed what had happened to Heshbon and the Amorite king Sihon (Numbers 21:21-26). • The phrase links the destruction of Sihon’s kingdom with God’s promise in Genesis 15:18-21 and His recent command in Deuteronomy 2:24, proving that Israel’s triumph was no accident but the unfolding of divine covenant and prophecy. Come to Heshbon • “Heshbon” was the Amorite capital north of the Arnon River. The invitation, “Come,” functions like a herald’s cry, calling on travelers to witness a once-proud city now lying under new ownership (Jeremiah 48:2, 45). • For Israel, the line highlights God’s faithfulness: the city that blocked their passage (Numbers 21:22-23) is now theirs, illustrating the promise of Exodus 23:23, “My Angel will go before you.” • Spiritually, the summons echoes Psalm 66:5—“Come and see what God has done”—inviting every generation to observe the Lord’s mighty acts. Let it be rebuilt • Amorite singers originally celebrated Sihon’s ability to rebuild conquered Heshbon, but Moses records the verse after Israel’s victory, turning the boast upside down. • The call to rebuild implies complete devastation; nothing short of major reconstruction would suffice. Israel’s conquest was thorough, as Deuteronomy 2:34 notes, “We left no survivors.” • God often rebuilds what He first tears down for judgment (Isaiah 58:12; Amos 9:14). Here the rebuilding will serve His people, not the Amorites, demonstrating Proverbs 13:22, “The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” Let the city of Sihon be restored • The title “city of Sihon” stresses personal ownership: Sihon had seized Heshbon from Moab (Numbers 21:26). Yet Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s,” and He now hands it to Israel. • “Be restored” reflects the pride of a pagan king expecting perpetual dominance. Instead, God flips the script—Sihon is gone, and Israel will occupy (Deuteronomy 2:31-33). • The irony anticipates later reversals, such as Daniel 4:37 with Nebuchadnezzar and Acts 12:23 with Herod, where human glory collapses before divine sovereignty. summary The four short lines form an ancient Amorite victory chant, but Moses quotes them to showcase the Lord’s superiority: Israel routs the Amorites, captures their capital, and inherits what once celebrated pagan power. Numbers 21:27 therefore proclaims that God fulfills His covenants, topples human pride, and invites all observers to witness His faithfulness. (27-30) Come into Heshbon.--These verses appear to commemorate first the victory of the Amorites over the Moabites, and then that of the Israelites over the Amorites. They may be rendered thus:--"Come ye to Heshbon! Let the city of Sihon be built up and restored! For a fire went out from Heshbon-- A flame from the city of Sihon: It devoured Ar The lords of the high places of Arnon. Woe to thee, Moab! Thou art perished, O people of Chemosh: He (i.e., Chemosh) gave up his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, Unto Sihon, the King of the Amorites. . . . Verse 27. - They that speak in proverbs. הַמָּשְׁלִים. Septuagint, οἰ αἰνιγματισταί. A class of persons well marked among the Hebrews, as perhaps in all ancient countries. It was their gift, and almost their profession, to express in the sententious, antistrophic poetry of the age such thoughts or such facts as took hold of men's minds. At a time when there was little difference between poetry and rhetoric, and when the distinction was hardly drawn between the inventive faculty of man and the Divine afflatus, it is not surprising to find the word mashal applied to the rhapsody of Balsam (Numbers 23:7), to the "taunting song" of Isaiah (Isaiah 14:4), to the "riddle" of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17:2), as well as to the collection of earthly and heavenly wisdom in the Book of Proverbs. That which follows is a taunting song, most like to the one cited from Isaiah, the archaic character of which is marked by its strongly antithetic form and abrupt transitions, as well as by the peculiarity of some of the words. Come to Heshbon. This may be ironically addressed to the Amorites, lately so victorious, now so overthrown; or, possibly, it may be intended to express the jubilation of the Amorites themselves in the day of their pride. |
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