And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land into my place.
Israel sent messengers to Sihon, who was the king of the Amorites and ruled from the city of Heshbon. Israel's message to him was: 'Please let us pass through your land so we can get to our destination.'
The writer is describing how Israel politely asked King Sihon for permission to travel through his territory on their way to the Promised Land.
📚 Historical Context
This verse refers to events during Israel's wilderness journey to the Promised Land, when they needed to pass through various kingdoms to reach their destination. Sihon was an Amorite king who controlled territory east of the Jordan River, and Israel was trying to take a diplomatic approach rather than forcing their way through. This interaction ultimately led to conflict when Sihon refused their request.
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