Topical Bible: Heart: Hardened Hearts: Sihon

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of a "hardened heart" often signifies a state of spiritual insensitivity and resistance to God's will. This condition is exemplified in the account of Sihon, the Amorite king, whose heart was hardened by God, leading to his downfall and the subsequent victory of the Israelites.

Biblical Context

Sihon was the king of the Amorites, ruling over a significant territory east of the Jordan River. His kingdom included the city of Heshbon and extended to the borders of Moab. The Israelites, during their wilderness journey, sought passage through his land as they approached the Promised Land. The account of Sihon's hardened heart is primarily found in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Numbers.

Scriptural References

In Deuteronomy 2:30 , it is recorded: "But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day." This passage highlights the divine intervention in hardening Sihon's heart, which ultimately led to his refusal to allow Israel safe passage.

Numbers 21:23-24 further narrates the encounter: "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and marched out into the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified."

Theological Implications

The hardening of Sihon's heart serves as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It illustrates how God can use the obstinacy of individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. In Sihon's case, his hardened heart led to a confrontation that resulted in the expansion of Israel's territory, as God had promised to the patriarchs.

From a theological perspective, the hardening of Sihon's heart is a sobering reminder of the consequences of resisting God's will. It underscores the belief that God can use even the rebellion of nations and leaders to accomplish His plans. The narrative of Sihon is often compared to that of Pharaoh in the Exodus account, where a similar hardening of heart led to the liberation of the Israelites.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The account of Sihon encourages believers to remain open and responsive to God's guidance. It warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, which can lead to spiritual insensitivity and opposition to God's purposes. The hardened heart of Sihon serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to seek humility and obedience in their relationship with God.

In summary, the account of Sihon's hardened heart is a powerful illustration of God's control over the affairs of nations and individuals. It highlights the importance of aligning one's heart with God's will to avoid the pitfalls of spiritual obstinacy and to partake in the blessings of His divine plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as appears this day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
... of Hesbon, it is written: "The Lord thy God hardened his spirit and made his heart
obstinate, that ... it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii the hardening in the.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... of Sihon, that it was the Lord who "had hardened his spirit, and made his heart
obstinate," (Deut.2 ... the same history says, "He turned their hearts to hate ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... Not only are we told that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh so ... left the land of bondage,
God told Moses, "And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the ... falsehoods (Revelation
19:17,18): for abundance of their hearts shall be hardened, and made ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm