Topical Encyclopedia Sihon was the Amorite king of Heshbon, a significant city-state located east of the Jordan River. His kingdom extended from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, encompassing a strategic region that the Israelites needed to traverse on their journey to the Promised Land. The narrative of Sihon's encounter with the Israelites is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel's wilderness wanderings and is recounted in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.Biblical Account The Israelites, after their long sojourn in the wilderness, approached the territory of the Amorites. Moses, acting as the leader and spokesperson for the Israelites, sent messengers to Sihon with a peaceful request: "Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will travel the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory" (Numbers 21:22). This request was in line with the Israelites' previous interactions with other nations, where they sought peaceful passage. However, Sihon refused to grant passage to the Israelites. Instead, he mobilized his forces and went out to confront them in battle at Jahaz. The Bible records that the Lord delivered Sihon and his people into the hands of Israel. "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to 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 up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified" (Numbers 21:23-24). Significance of the Conquest The defeat of Sihon was a significant victory for the Israelites. It marked the beginning of their conquest of the Transjordan region and demonstrated the Lord's faithfulness in delivering their enemies into their hands. The victory over Sihon also served as a morale booster for the Israelites, reinforcing their confidence in God's promises and His power to fulfill them. The conquest of Sihon's kingdom was not only a military triumph but also a fulfillment of divine prophecy. In Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the event, emphasizing that it was the Lord who hardened Sihon's spirit and made his heart obstinate, so that he might be delivered into Israel's hands, as it is written: "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" (Deuteronomy 2:30). Aftermath and Legacy Following the defeat of Sihon, the Israelites took possession of his cities and settled in the land. The territory of Sihon was later allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, as well as the half-tribe of Manasseh, as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. The conquest of Sihon, along with the subsequent defeat of Og, king of Bashan, established Israel's presence in the Transjordan and set the stage for their eventual crossing into Canaan. The victory over Sihon is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a testament to God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises, even against formidable foes. The narrative of Sihon's defeat underscores the theme of divine intervention and the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 21:21-25And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 2:24-37 Deuteronomy 3:2,6,8 Library The Israelites The Nations of the South-East The Antiquities of the Jews Canaan From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org What did it mean to be devoted to destruction? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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