Numbers 21

15. Ar--the capital of Moab.

16. from thence they went to Beer--that is, a "well." The name was probably given to it afterwards [see Judges 9:21 ], as it is not mentioned ( Numbers 33:1-56 ).

17, 18. Then Israel sang--This beautiful little song was in accordance with the wants and feelings of travelling caravans in the East, where water is an occasion both of prayer and thanksgiving. From the princes using their official rods only, and not spades, it seems probable that this well was concealed by the brushwood or the sand, as is the case with many wells in Idumea still. The discovery of it was seasonable, and owing to the special interposition of God.

21-23. Israel sent messengers unto Sihon--The rejection of their respectful and pacific message was resented--Sihon was discomfited in battle--and Israel obtained by right of conquest the whole of the Amorite dominions.

24. from Arnon unto Jabbok--now the Zurka. These rivers formed the southern and northern boundaries of his usurped territory.
for the border of . . . Ammon was strong--a reason stated for Sihon not being able to push his invasion further.

25. Israel dwelt in all the cities--after exterminating the inhabitants who had been previously doomed ( Deuteronomy 2:34 ).

26. Heshbon--( Solomon 7:4 )--situated sixteen English miles north of the Arnon, and from its ruins it appears to have been a large city.

27-30. Wherefore they that speak in proverbs--Here is given an extract from an Amorite song exultingly anticipating an extension of their conquests to Arnon. The quotation from the poem of the Amorite bard ends at Numbers 21:28 . The two following verses appear to be the strains in which the Israelites expose the impotence of the usurpers.

29. people of Chemosh--the name of the Moabite idol ( 1 Kings 11:7-33 , 2 Kings 23:13 , Jeremiah 48:46 ).
he--that is, their god, hath surrendered his worshippers to the victorious arms of Sihon.

33. they turned and went up by the way of Bashan--a name given to that district from the richness of the soil--now Batanea or El-Bottein--a hilly region east of the Jordan lying between the mountains of Hermon on the north and those of Gilead on the south.
Og--a giant, an Amoritish prince, who, having opposed the progress of the Israelites, was defeated.

34, 35. The Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not--a necessary encouragement, for Og's gigantic stature ( Deuteronomy 3:11 ) was calculated to inspire terror. He and all his were put to the sword.