What is the meaning of Numbers 21:27? 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. |
    |