For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.
Heshbon was the city that belonged to Sihon, the king of the Amorites. He had fought against the previous king of Moab and conquered all of his territory, taking it all the way to the Arnon River.
This verse explains that King Sihon had previously conquered the land the Israelites were now taking, showing how territories changed hands through warfare in ancient times.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, preparing to enter the Promised Land and encountering various hostile nations along the way. Heshbon was a strategically important city that had been conquered by Sihon, the king of the Amorites, from the former king of Moab, giving Sihon control over the territory up to the Arnon River. This event highlights the ongoing territorial conflicts in the region, which set the stage for the Israelites' battles as part of God's plan to fulfill His promises to them.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.