Numbers 21:21

The Defeat of Sihon

21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, ¹

Numbers 21:21 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 21:21

And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites,
&c.] Who were one of the nations of the Canaanites, and a principal and powerful one, and who were devoted to destruction, and their land designed for the people of Israel; see ( Genesis 15:16 ) , at this time Sihon was their king, to whom Moses, in the name of Israel, sent a very peaceable message from the wilderness of Kedemoth, which lay near his country, ( Deuteronomy 2:26 ) :

saying;
as follows.

Numbers 21:21 In-Context

19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth,

20 and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland.

21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

22 “Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”

23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel.

Cross References

• 1. (Deuteronomy 2:24–37)