But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba." But we have overthrown themThe phrase "we have overthrown them" signifies a decisive victory. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נִירָם" (niram), which conveys the idea of complete destruction or subjugation. This reflects the Israelites' triumph over their enemies, emphasizing God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Historically, this victory is part of the broader narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land, showcasing God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their adversaries. Heshbon is destroyed
"Heshbon" was a significant city of the Amorites, and its destruction symbolizes the defeat of a formidable enemy. The Hebrew root for "destroyed" is "אָבַד" (avad), meaning to perish or be lost. This destruction is not just physical but also represents the spiritual triumph of God's people over pagan influences. Heshbon's fall is a testament to the power of God working through Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises. as far as Dibon
"Dibon" was another city in the region, indicating the extent of Israel's conquest. The phrase "as far as" suggests a comprehensive victory, stretching the boundaries of Israel's influence. Archaeological findings in Dibon, such as the Mesha Stele, provide historical context, confirming the city's existence and its significance in the ancient Near East. This victory underscores the theme of God's people expanding their territory as promised. We have demolished them
The repetition of victory with "we have demolished them" reinforces the totality of the conquest. The Hebrew word "נַשִּׁים" (nashim) implies breaking down or tearing apart, indicating a thorough defeat. This phrase highlights the Israelites' role as instruments of God's judgment against the Amorites, fulfilling divine justice and establishing Israel's presence in the land. as far as Nophah
"Nophah" is less well-known, but its mention indicates the breadth of the conquest. The phrase "as far as" again emphasizes the extensive reach of Israel's victory. This suggests that God's promises are not limited but expansive, covering all areas He has designated for His people. The mention of Nophah serves as a reminder of God's comprehensive plan for Israel. which reaches to Medeba
"Medeba" was a city located on a plateau, known for its strategic importance. The phrase "which reaches to" indicates the farthest extent of the conquest, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a land flowing with milk and honey. Medeba's inclusion in this verse highlights the thoroughness of God's provision and the assurance that His promises encompass all He has declared. Historically, Medeba's location and significance further affirm the reality of Israel's victories as recorded in Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. HeshbonA significant Amorite city, previously ruled by King Sihon. It became a symbol of Israel's victory over the Amorites. 2. DibonA city located in the territory of Moab, often associated with the Moabite Stone, which records victories over Israel. 3. NophahA lesser-known location mentioned in the context of Israel's conquests, possibly a region or town near Heshbon. 4. MedebaA city on the plateau of Moab, known for its strategic location and later mentioned in various biblical battles. 5. The IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, who were journeying to the Promised Land and engaging in battles as they progressed. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in VictoryThe defeat of the Amorites and the capture of their cities demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises and His power to overcome obstacles in their lives. The Importance of ObedienceIsrael's victories were contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. Similarly, Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word to experience His blessings. Spiritual WarfareJust as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe conquest of these cities illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use them for His purposes. This reminds believers of God's ultimate control over world events. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the victory over Heshbon and other cities reflect God's promises to Israel, and how can this encourage us in our personal battles today? 2. In what ways does the obedience of the Israelites in these conquests serve as a model for our own obedience to God's commands? 3. How can the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6, be applied to the challenges we face in our daily lives? 4. What does the destruction of these cities teach us about God's sovereignty and His plans for nations and individuals? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Israel's victories to our understanding of God's faithfulness and provision in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 2-3These chapters provide a broader context of Israel's journey and battles, including the defeat of King Sihon and the Amorites, which is directly related to the events in Numbers 21. Joshua 13This chapter discusses the division of the conquered lands among the tribes of Israel, including territories like Heshbon and Dibon. Psalm 136:17-22This psalm recounts God's enduring love and faithfulness in giving Israel victory over kings and nations, including Sihon, king of the Amorites. People Ammonites, Amon, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Chemosh, Israelites, Moses, Og, SihonPlaces Ar, Arad, Arnon, Bamoth, Bashan, Beer, Dedan, Dibon, Edom, Edrei, Egypt, Heshbon, Hormah, Iye-abarim, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jazer, King's Highway, Mattanah, Medeba, Moab, Mount Hor, Nahaliel, Negeb, Nophah, Oboth, Pisgah, Red Sea, Suphah, Valley of Zered, WahebTopics Arrows, Cast, Demolished, Desolate, Destroyed, Destruction, Dibon, Extends, Fire, Heshbon, Laid, Medeba, Med'eba, Nophah, Perished, Posterity, Reaches, Reacheth, Ruined, Shoot, Shot, Spread, Stretching, Waste, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 21:24-35 5572 sword Library The Poison and the Antidote
'And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compare the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7. Therefore …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMan's Ruin and God's Remedy
Man has very many wants, and he should be grateful whenever the least of them is supplied. But he has one want which overtops every other: it is the want of bread. Give him raiment, house him well, decorate and adorn him, yet if you give him not bread, his body faints, he dies of hunger. Hence it is that while the earth when it is tilled is made to bring forth many things that minister unto the comfort and luxury of men, yet man is wise enough to understand that since bread is his chief want, he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their Followers Regard Thy...
The Disciple,--Master, in these days some learned men and their followers regard Thy atonement and the redemption by blood as meaningless and futile, and say that Christ was only a great teacher and example for our spiritual life, and that salvation and eternal happiness depend on our own efforts and good deeds. The Master,--1. Never forget that spiritual and religious ideas are connected less with the head than with the heart, which is the temple of God, and when the heart is filled with the presence …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 21:30 NIVNumbers 21:30 NLTNumbers 21:30 ESVNumbers 21:30 NASBNumbers 21:30 KJV
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