1 When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negeb, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.
2 And Israel vowed a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.”
3 And the Lord heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction.
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.
5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.”
6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.
7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
10 And the people of Israel set out and camped in Oboth.
11 And they set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim, in the wilderness that is opposite Moab, toward the sunrise.
12 From there they set out and camped in the valley of Zered.
13 From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the Lord,
“Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon,
15 And the slope of the valleys that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans to the border of Moab.”
16 And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the Lord said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.”
17 Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!”
18 the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.” And from the wilderness they went on to Mattanah,
19 And from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth,
20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the region of Moab, to the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert.
21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
22 “Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into field or vineyard; we will not drink the water of a well. We will go by the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”
23 But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. He gathered all his people together and went out against Israel to the wilderness and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel.
24 And Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as to the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strong.
25 And Israel took all these cities, and Israel settled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages.
26 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, as far as the Arnon.
27 Therefore the ballad singers say,
“Come to Heshbon, let it be built;
let the city of Sihon be established.
28 For fire came out from Heshbon, flame from the city of Sihon. It devoured Ar of Moab, and swallowed the heights of the Arnon.
29 Woe to you, O Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh! He has made his sons fugitives, and his daughters captives, to an Amorite king, Sihon.
30 And we overthrew them; Heshbon, as far as Dibon, perished; and we laid waste as far as Nophah; fire spread as far as Medeba.
31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites.
32 And Moses sent to spy out Jazer. And they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.
33 Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
34 But the Lord said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”
35 So they defeated him and his sons and all his people, until he had no survivor left. And they took possession of his land.
The True Meaning of Numbers 21
The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This chapter recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, as they faced various challenges and conflicts on their way to the Promised Land. The Israelites’ struggle against the Canaanite king of Arad, their rebellion against God, and the subsequent punishment and healing that follows are witnessed in this chapter. These events serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faith in the face of adversity. As we delve into this chapter, we will see how the Israelites’ experiences foreshadow the larger themes of redemption and the need for unwavering trust in God’s plan.
The chapter also introduces the bronze serpent, a symbol that will later be used by Jesus himself to illustrate the nature of salvation (John 3:14-15). Through this narrative, we are reminded of God’s mercy and His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance.
Numbers 21:1-3
Numbers 21:1-3 states, “When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: ‘If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities.’ The Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. They completely destroyed them and their towns; so the place was named Hormah. The Canaanite king of Arad attacks the Israelites as they journey through the Negev region in this section. This event reveals the continual struggles faced by the Israelites as they sought to possess the Promised Land. The Canaanites were one of the indigenous peoples inhabiting Canaan, the land promised to the Israelites by God. The conflict between the Israelites and the Canaanites symbolizes the battle between God’s chosen people and the pagan nations surrounding them. The Israelites, recognizing the power of the Lord, make a vow to completely destroy the Canaanites’ cities if God delivers them into their hands. This vow reflects the Israelites’ commitment to following God’s commandments and trusting in His divine intervention in their struggles against their enemies.
God, in His faithfulness and mercy, hears the plea of the Israelites and gives the Canaanites over to them. The Israelites are then able to defeat the Canaanites and fulfill their vow by completely destroying them and their towns. This victory signifies God’s fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites and His role as their protector and deliverer. The name “Hormah,” meaning “destruction” or “devotion,” is given to the place where this decisive battle took place, serving as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the Israelites’ commitment to following His will.
This passage in Numbers 21 underscores the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God in the face of challenges and enemies. It also highlights the consequences of making vows to the Lord and the significance of fulfilling them in accordance with His will. The story of the Israelites’ victory over the Canaanites serves as a testimony to God’s power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. This narrative echoes throughout the Bible, emphasizing the themes of God’s sovereignty, protection, and the importance of trusting in His guidance and provisions.
Numbers 21:4-9
Several important sections can be identified in Numbers 21:4-9. The first part of the passage describes the Israelites’ journey from Mount Hor towards the Red Sea to go around Edom. The people became impatient and spoke against God, complaining about their hardships and the lack of food and water in the wilderness. This lack of faith and gratitude led to their punishment as the Lord sent venomous snakes among them, causing many to die.
This section of the passage illustrates a recurring theme in the Bible: the consequences of doubt and disobedience. Throughout the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, they continuously grumbled and doubted God despite witnessing numerous miracles and being provided for. The punishment of the serpents serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and obedience in our relationship with God. It also highlights the idea that challenges and hardships can sometimes be a test of faith, requiring us to trust in God’s provision and timing.
The next part of the passage reveals the people’s repentance after being afflicted by the snakes. They acknowledged their sin and asked Moses to intercede on their behalf with God. God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and place it on a pole so that anyone who was bitten could look at it and be healed in response.
This episode of the bronze snake is rich in symbolism and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the healing and salvation of humanity. Jesus references this event in John 3:14-15 in the New Testament, saying, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”” (NIV) This connection emphasizes the idea that Jesus is the ultimate source of healing and life, and that through faith in Him, we can receive spiritual healing and salvation. Numbers 21:4-9 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, repentance, and the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. It shows that even in the midst of judgment and punishment for sin, God’s mercy and grace are still available to those who turn to Him in faith. It teaches us to trust in God’s provision, seek forgiveness when we fall short, and look to Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and salvation.
Numbers 21:10-15
The story recounts an incident during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness in Numbers 21:10-15. The section starts with the people speaking against God and Moses, expressing their discontent with the lack of food and water in the desert. This lack of faith and ingratitude towards God leads to a punishment, as poisonous snakes are sent among the people, causing many to be bitten and die. The people then acknowledge their sin and approach Moses, asking for him to intercede on their behalf with God.
This story holds several key messages that resonate throughout the Bible. Firstly, it highlights the consequences of doubting God and displaying ingratitude. The Israelites had been miraculously liberated from slavery in Egypt and witnessed numerous divine interventions, yet they still grumble and speak against God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, trust, and gratitude in one’s relationship with God. Paul urges believers in Philippians 2:14-15 to do all things without grumbling or disputing, emphasizing the need for a content and faithful attitude.
Moses’ role in this story is crucial. Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites as the mediator between God and the people. His actions not only demonstrate his leadership but also foreshadow the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. 1 Timothy 2:5 states that there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, highlighting Jesus’ role in reconciling humanity with God through his sacrifice on the cross.
The bronze serpent lifted up by Moses becomes a symbol of healing for the Israelites. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole so that anyone who is bitten by a snake can look at it and live. This act of looking up at the bronze serpent in faith to receive physical healing serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the salvation and healing of humanity. Jesus refers to this event in John 3:14-15, stating that just as the bronze snake was lifted up in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. The bronze serpent thus becomes a symbolic representation of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the healing and salvation it offers to all who believe in him. Numbers 21:10-15 conveys timeless messages about faith, gratitude, the role of mediators, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s salvation and healing. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting God, being grateful for His blessings, and looking to Jesus for ultimate healing and eternal life.
Numbers 21:16-20
A passage in Numbers 21:16-20 recounts a significant event during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. The section begins with the mentioning of Beer, the well where the Lord told Moses to gather the people so He could give them water. Beer, meaning “well,” was a place where the Israelites experienced God’s provision in the form of water. This highlights the theme of God’s faithfulness and sustenance for His people throughout their journey. It serves as a reminder to the Israelites, and to us as readers, that God is the ultimate provider of our needs. The Amorites came out to fight against the Israelites as they moved from Beer to the Valley of Mattanah. The Amorites were one of the peoples living in the region of Canaan whom the Israelites encountered on their journey to the Promised Land. This battle served as a test of the Israelites’ faith and trust in God to deliver them from their enemies. It also emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than their own in times of struggle.
Following the confrontation with the Amorites, the Israelites journeyed to the land of Moab. This journey led them to the top of Pisgah, which overlooked the wasteland. Pisgah was a significant location because it was from there that Moses was shown the Promised Land by God before he died. This moment was bittersweet for Moses, as he had faithfully led the Israelites for so long but would not enter the land himself. The story of Moses serves as a powerful example of obedience to God’s will, even when it means personal sacrifice. Moments of provision, conflict, and obedience mark the continuation of the Israelites’ journey towards the Promised Land in this passage. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and provision, even in the face of challenges. God reminds us of His faithfulness throughout history and encourages us to follow Him wholeheartedly, knowing that He will lead us to our own Promised Land. The events in Numbers 21:16-20 ultimately point to the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.
Numbers 21:21-25
The focus shifts to the journey of the Israelites as they make their way towards the Promised Land in Numbers 21:21-25. This passage recounts the encounter between the Israelites and Sihon, the king of the Amorites. The Amorites were a powerful tribe inhabiting the region east of the Jordan River. The Israelites sent messengers to Sihon requesting safe passage as they sought to pass through their land peacefully. However, Sihon refused their request and instead gathered his army to engage them in battle.
This confrontation with Sihon and the Amorites is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the ongoing challenges and opposition the Israelites faced as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the land God had promised them. The hostility they encountered from Sihon serves as a reminder of the trials and obstacles believers may encounter on their own spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s protection and guidance, so too must Christians rely on Him when faced with adversity.
Secondly, the defeat of Sihon and the Amorites highlights the faithfulness and power of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. Despite the Amorites’ military might, God gave the Israelites victory over their enemies. This victory serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty and His ability to overcome any obstacle in the path of His people. Through this triumph, the Israelites were able to claim victory and possess the land of the Amorites as part of the territory destined for them.
This theme of God’s faithfulness and deliverance is a recurring motif in the Bible. God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, guiding them through the Red Sea and providing for them in the wilderness in Exodus. The defeat of Sihon and the possession of his land further reinforce the idea that God is a faithful protector who fulfills His promises to His people. This narrative serves as a reminder to believers that God is with them in their battles, and that ultimately, He will secure victory for those who trust in Him. We are encouraged to persevere in faith despite the challenges we may face as we reflect on the encounter between the Israelites and Sihon. Just as the Israelites trusted in God’s deliverance and saw victory over their enemies, we too can find strength and courage in knowing that God is our defender and will never abandon us in times of trouble. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring truth that God is faithful to His people and will always fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Numbers 21:26-30
The passage in Numbers 21:26-30 narrates the account of the Israelites’ victory over the Amorite city of Heshbon. The verses describe how the Israelites conquered Heshbon and its surrounding villages, seizing their lands and settling there. This victory was significant in the Old Testament as it marked a turning point for the Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land.
The story of the Israelites battling the Amorites in Heshbon holds several important lessons and themes that are relevant even today. Firstly, it showcases the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. Despite the challenges and obstacles the Israelites faced during their wilderness journey, God remained true to His covenant with them, leading them towards the land He had promised to give them.
This victory over the Amorites also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God’s guidance. The Israelites were successful in their conquest because they followed God’s instructions and relied on His strength rather than their own. This serves as a reminder for believers to seek God’s will in all they do and trust in His provision. The defeat of the Amorites demonstrates the consequences of opposing God’s plan. The Amorites, like other nations that stood against the Israelites, faced judgement for their defiance towards God. This serves as a warning for individuals and nations alike to align themselves with God’s purposes and not resist His will.
The city of Heshbon itself held significance in biblical history as it was the capital of the Amorite king Sihon, whose kingdom extended from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River. The victory at Heshbon played a crucial role in the Israelites’ conquest of the Transjordan region and paved the way for their continued advance towards the Promised Land. The narrative in Numbers 21:26-30 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the importance of obedience and trust in Him, and the consequences of opposing His will. It reinforces the timeless message of relying on God’s guidance and strength in our lives, knowing that He is always faithful to fulfill His promises to those who follow Him.
Numbers 21:31-35
The verse in Numbers 21:31-35 describes the Israelites’ conquest of the land of Canaan, specifically their defeat of the Amorite king, Og. This event marked a significant milestone as the Israelites continued their journey towards the Promised Land.
The verse begins by mentioning the Israelites’ victory over the Amorites at the battle of Jahaz, a crucial battle that led to the defeat of King Sihon of Heshbon. The victory over Sihon had already been mentioned earlier in Numbers 21:21-25, emphasizing the strength and determination of the Israelites in carrying out God’s commands to take possession of the land He had promised to them. This victory over the Amorites further solidified their foothold in the region.
Following the defeat of King Sihon, the Israelites then turned their attention to Og, the king of Bashan. Og was known for being a giant, with his bed being described as being made of iron and being over thirteen feet long by six feet wide according to Deuteronomy 3:11. Despite Og’s physical stature, the Israelites were not deterred, and with God’s guidance, they were able to defeat him as well. This victory demonstrated the power of God working through the Israelites and their unwavering faith in His promises.
The conquest of the land of Canaan, including the victories over both King Sihon and King Og, serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. It also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plans, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This story of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan is a testament to the enduring message of God’s faithfulness, provision, and victory over adversity for those who place their trust in Him. The events in Numbers 21:31-35 set the stage for the Israelites’ continued journey towards the Promised Land and underscore the theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness throughout the Bible.
After Numbers 21
The Israelites had once again turned against the Lord, and their grumbling and discontent had led to a plague of venomous snakes. Many had fallen ill and died. But in His mercy, the Lord provided a way for the people to be healed. He instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole, so that anyone who looked upon it would be saved.
This miraculous event foreshadowed an even greater salvation that was to come. For just as the bronze snake was lifted up, so too would the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. This is the promise that we now hold onto, as we look forward to the next chapter of our journey.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.