Sihon was an Amorite king whose territory was located east of the Jordan River. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative due to his interactions with the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. The account of Sihon is primarily found in the Old Testament books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Historical Context and Territory

Sihon ruled over a region that included the city of Heshbon and extended from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River. This area was strategically important as it lay on the route the Israelites would take to enter Canaan. The Amorites, of whom Sihon was a king, were a group of ancient people frequently mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of Canaan and its surrounding regions.

Biblical Account

The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, requested passage through Sihon's land as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. In Numbers 21:21-22 , it is recorded: "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, '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.'"

However, Sihon refused Israel's request and instead mobilized his army to confront them. This act of aggression led to a significant battle at Jahaz. Numbers 21:23-24 describes the encounter: "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and marched 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 as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified."

Theological Significance

The defeat of Sihon and the subsequent acquisition of his territory by the Israelites is seen as a divine act of judgment and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Deuteronomy 2:31-33 emphasizes this perspective: "Then the LORD said to me, 'See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.' So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him, his sons, and his whole army."

This victory is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and power, reinforcing the idea that the Israelites' success was not due to their own strength but to the Lord's intervention on their behalf.

Legacy and Mention in Scripture

The defeat of Sihon is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a testament to God's mighty acts and as a reminder of His provision for Israel. For instance, Psalm 135:10-12 recounts, "He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan—and He gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to His people Israel."

Sihon's account serves as a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, marking the beginning of their conquest of the lands east of the Jordan and setting the stage for their eventual entry into Canaan. His defeat is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the triumph of God's people over their adversaries through divine intervention.Sihon's (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 21:27
Wherefore they that speak in parables say: Come ye to Heshbon! let the city of Sihon be built and established!
(See NIV)

Sihon's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sihon's (1 Occurrence). Numbers 21 ... to Heshbon!
let the city of Sihon be built and established! (See NIV). ...
/s/sihon's.htm - 6k

Amorites (82 Occurrences)
... Gilead and all Bashan" (Deuteronomy 3:10), with the Jordan valley on the east of
the river (4:49), the land of the "two kings of the Amorites," Sihon and Og ...
/a/amorites.htm - 50k

Sihon (34 Occurrences)
... The whole country on the east of Jordan, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, was possessed
by the Amorites, whose king, Sihon, refused to permit the Israelites to ...
/s/sihon.htm - 20k

Numbers (136 Occurrences)
... whether some writing of Israel not now extant, or some writing of the Amorites which
contained songs and triumphs of their king Sihon's victories, out of which ...
/n/numbers.htm - 71k

Sihor (3 Occurrences)

/s/sihor.htm - 8k

Who was Sihon, king of the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus