Joshua 12:2
Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead,
Sihon king of the Amorites
Sihon was a significant Amorite king whose defeat by the Israelites marked a crucial victory in their conquest of the Promised Land. The Amorites were a powerful group in Canaan, often representing opposition to God's people. Sihon's defeat is a testament to God's promise to give Israel victory over their enemies (Deuteronomy 2:24-36). This event is frequently referenced in Scripture as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and power (Psalm 135:11).

who lived in Heshbon
Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon's kingdom. It was strategically located east of the Jordan River and served as a central hub for the Amorites. The city's capture by the Israelites is significant as it symbolizes the transfer of power and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 15:18-21). Heshbon later became part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 32:37).

He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley
Aroer was a city located on the northern edge of the Arnon Valley, marking the southern boundary of Sihon's kingdom. The Arnon River served as a natural border between Moab and the Amorite territory. This geographical detail underscores the extent of Sihon's domain and the strategic importance of controlling such a region. The mention of Aroer highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's conquest.

along the middle of the valley
The middle of the Arnon Valley indicates the central part of this significant geographical feature. The valley itself was a critical area for trade and military movements, making it a valuable asset for any ruling power. By controlling the middle of the valley, Sihon had significant influence over the region, which was later transferred to Israel.

up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites)
The Jabbok River served as the northern boundary of Sihon's kingdom, separating it from the territory of the Ammonites. This river is historically significant as the site where Jacob wrestled with God and was renamed Israel (Genesis 32:22-32). The mention of the Jabbok River emphasizes the extent of the land conquered by Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises.

that is, half of Gilead
Gilead was a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River. The reference to "half of Gilead" indicates the division of this territory between the Amorites and the Ammonites. Gilead later became part of the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:39-40). The conquest of Gilead by Israel is a testament to God's provision and the establishment of His people in the land He promised.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sihon, King of the Amorites
Sihon was a powerful Amorite king who ruled over a significant territory east of the Jordan River. His defeat by the Israelites marked a crucial victory in their conquest of the Promised Land.

2. Heshbon
This was the capital city of King Sihon. It became a significant city for the Israelites after their victory over Sihon.

3. Aroer
A city located on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, marking the southern boundary of Sihon's kingdom.

4. Arnon Gorge
A deep valley that served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites.

5. Jabbok River
This river marked the northern boundary of Sihon's kingdom and the border with the Ammonites.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
The defeat of Sihon illustrates God's control over nations and His ability to deliver His people from formidable foes. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their own life's battles.

Faith and Obedience
The Israelites' victory over Sihon required faith and obedience to God's command. Similarly, Christians are called to trust and obey God, even when facing daunting challenges.

Inheritance of God's Promises
The conquest of Sihon's land was part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Believers today can be assured that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Boundaries and Identity
The specific boundaries of Sihon's kingdom highlight the importance of identity and territory. Christians are reminded of their identity in Christ and the spiritual boundaries that define their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of Sihon demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways does the account of Sihon challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty over the circumstances in our lives?

3. How can the Israelites' obedience in engaging Sihon inspire us to act in faith when God calls us to face difficult situations?

4. What lessons can we learn from the specific boundaries of Sihon's kingdom about maintaining our spiritual identity and boundaries in today's world?

5. How do the events surrounding Sihon's defeat connect with the broader account of God's redemptive plan as seen throughout Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:21-31
This passage provides the background of Israel's encounter with Sihon and the subsequent battle that led to their victory over him.

Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Here, Moses recounts the command from God to engage Sihon in battle, emphasizing God's role in delivering the Amorite king into Israel's hands.

Psalm 135:10-12
This psalm praises God for His mighty acts, including the defeat of Sihon, highlighting God's faithfulness in giving Israel the land He promised.
The Goodness and Severity of GodA. B. Mackay.Joshua 12:1-24
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Debir, Eglon, Gad, Gadites, Geshurites, Hepher, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Manasseh, Og, Perizzites, Rephaites, Reubenites, Seir, Shimron, Sihon, Tappuah, Tirzah
Places
Achshaph, Adullam, Ai, Aphek, Arabah, Arad, Aroer, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bashan, Bethel, Beth-jeshimoth, Carmel, Debir, Dor, Edrei, Eglon, Galilee, Geder, Gezer, Gilead, Hazor, Hebron, Hepher, Heshbon, Hormah, Jabbok River, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokneam, Jordan River, Kedesh, Lachish, Lasharon, Libnah, Madon, Makkedah, Megiddo, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphath-dor, Negeb, Pisgah, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of the Arabah, Seir, Shimron-meron, Taanach, Tappuah, Tirzah, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Ammon, Ammonites, Amorite, Amorites, Arnon, Aroer, Aro'er, Bank, Bene-ammon, Border, Boundary, Brook, Dwelling, Dwelt, Edge, Gilead, Gorge, Half, Heshbon, Included, Jabbok, Jabok, Limits, Middle, Ravine, Reigned, Rim, River, Ruled, Ruling, Sihon, Sons, Town, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 12:2

     4260   rivers and streams

Joshua 12:2-5

     5235   boundary

Library
Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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