Judges 11:21

Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, who defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites who inhabited that country,

Study Bible

Then the LORD, the God of Israel,
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and divine authority of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It highlights the theological foundation of Israel's actions, attributing their victories to divine intervention rather than human strength. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative where God is seen as the ultimate deliverer and protector of His people, as seen in Exodus 14:14 and Deuteronomy 20:4.

delivered Sihon and all his people
Sihon was the king of the Amorites, a significant Canaanite group. The term "delivered" indicates a divine act of judgment against Sihon and his people, fulfilling God's promise to give the land to Israel (Deuteronomy 2:24-36). This act of deliverance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God intervenes on behalf of Israel against their enemies.

into the hand of Israel,
The phrase "into the hand of" signifies complete control or victory. It reflects the biblical motif of God granting His people victory over their adversaries, as seen in Joshua 10:8. This victory is not just military but also spiritual, as it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

who defeated them.
This succinct statement of victory underscores the effectiveness of God's deliverance. The defeat of Sihon and his people is a testament to God's power and Israel's obedience to His commands. It also serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of opposing God's chosen people.

So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites
The taking possession of the land fulfills the Abrahamic covenant promise of land (Genesis 15:18-21). It also signifies a transition from nomadic life to settlement, which is crucial for the development of Israel as a nation. This act of taking possession is a type of the ultimate inheritance believers receive through Christ, as seen in Hebrews 4:8-10.

who inhabited that country,
This phrase indicates the geographical and cultural context of the conquest. The Amorites were a dominant group in Canaan, and their defeat marked a significant shift in the region's power dynamics. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of Amorite settlements, providing historical context to the biblical narrative. The conquest of their land is a precursor to the broader conquest of Canaan, as detailed in the book of Joshua.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the history of His people.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, led by Jephthah at this time, engaged in conflict with the Amorites.

3. Sihon
The king of the Amorites, who opposed Israel and was defeated by them.

4. Amorites
A group of people living in the land that Israel was to possess, representing opposition to God's promises.

5. The Land of the Amorites
The territory that Israel took possession of after defeating Sihon and his people.

Teaching Points

Divine Sovereignty
God is in control of history and the affairs of nations. He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes and promises.

Faith and Obedience
Israel's victory was contingent upon their faith in God's promise and their obedience to His commands. Believers today are called to trust and obey God, even in the face of formidable challenges.

God's Faithfulness
The defeat of Sihon and the Amorites is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. This encourages believers to rely on God's promises in their own lives.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds believers to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual opposition.

Inheritance and Possession
The land represents the inheritance God promised to Israel. For Christians, this can symbolize the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, which we are called to claim and live out.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Israel's victory over Sihon and the Amorites demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of faith and obedience seen in this passage to our own spiritual battles?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in this passage relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament?

4. What are some modern-day "Amorites" or challenges that believers face, and how can we rely on God's promises to overcome them?

5. How does understanding the historical context of this passage enhance our appreciation of God's actions and character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 2:24-36
This passage provides a detailed account of the battle against Sihon and the Amorites, emphasizing God's command and promise to deliver the land into Israel's hands.

Numbers 21:21-31
Offers another account of Israel's encounter with Sihon, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over their enemies.

Psalm 136:17-22
Celebrates God's enduring love and faithfulness in giving Israel victory over kings like Sihon, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention and deliverance.