Sihon was the king of the Amorites when the Israelites were nearing the end of their 40 years of wilderness wanderings after the exodus from Egypt. As the Israelites approached the Promised Land, they requested passage through the lands controlled by Sihon, but he refused. This led to a battle between Israel and Sihon in which Sihon was defeated. The Israelites then took possession of Sihon’s land.
The Amorites were one of the tribes living in Canaan prior to the arrival of the Israelites. They controlled territory on both sides of the Jordan River. The Amorites were fierce warriors and Israel was forbidden by God from fighting against them until the time came for the conquest of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 2:24-25).
As the Israelites traveled north after their long detour southward, they approached the territory of Sihon, who was king over the Amorites living between the Arnon River and the Jabbok. Moses sent messengers to Sihon requesting safe passage through his lands, promising to stay strictly on the highway and cause no damage. But Sihon refused and mustered his army against Israel (Numbers 21:21-23).
Sihon engaged Israel in battle at Jahaz, but the Lord delivered him into the hands of Israel, who conquered his lands from the Arnon to the Jabbok. Israel took possession of all the cities and drove out the Amorites who lived there (Numbers 21:24-25; Deuteronomy 2:26-37).
King Og of Bashan, another Amorite king, came out to engage Israel in battle at Edrei after seeing what they did to Sihon. But Og also was defeated by the Israelites and his lands were taken (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-7).
The lands of Sihon and Og on the east side of the Jordan River were given by Moses to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh since they had many cattle and those lands were good for grazing (Numbers 32:1-42). This region later became known as Gilead.
The victory over Sihon and Og gave Israel control of the entire region east of the Jordan River, from the Arnon River in the south to Mount Hermon in the north. This put them in position to cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of Canaan.
Several passages in the Old Testament refer back to God’s deliverance of Sihon into the hand of Israel as an example of His faithfulness to them in giving them victory over mighty enemies (Joshua 2:10; Nehemiah 9:22; Psalm 135:10-11; Psalm 136:19-20).
The conquest of Sihon is also referred to in the New Testament. In Acts 13, Stephen recounts some of Israel’s history and mentions their destruction of Sihon as they took possession of his land (Acts 13:19). And Jude refers to Sihon as an example of those who perish in rebellion against the Lord (Jude 1:11).
Some key lessons that can be learned from Sihon’s story:
- God is faithful to fulfill His promises. He had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan and made a way for them to conquer it.
- God fights for His people. Israel defeated Sihon and Og only because the Lord delivered the armies into their hands.
- God’s timing is perfect. Earlier victories over the Amorites were forbidden, but now was the appointed time.
- Pride leads to destruction. Sihon could have allowed Israel passage but instead arrogantly opposed them and was defeated.
- Rebellion against God is futile. Sihon perished because of his defiance, just as Jude indicates.
Sihon’s Background
The Old Testament provides some background information about Sihon and his kingdom:
- He was an Amorite king who ruled over the region north of the Arnon River (Numbers 21:26). The Amorites were a powerful tribe that inhabited Canaan.
- His capital city was Heshbon, located just north of the Arnon (Numbers 21:26). Remains of ancient Heshbon have been excavated by archaeologists.
- Sihon had previously defeated the Moabites and taken possession of their land as far south as the Arnon (Numbers 21:26).
- He refused passage to the Israelites coming from the wilderness to the east (Numbers 21:23).
- Sihon “did not trust Israel to pass through his territory” (Judges 11:20).
- He went out to battle against Israel at Jahaz, but was defeated by them there (Numbers 21:23).
- Israel captured all the cities of Sihon’s kingdom and occupied them (Numbers 21:25).
- Sihon’s land became part of the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (Numbers 32:33).
Though brief, these details help create a picture of a powerful Amorite king who controlled an extensive territory east of the Jordan River. His refusal to let the Israelites pass peacefully through led to his downfall.
The Conquest of Sihon’s Kingdom
The account of Israel’s battle against Sihon and takeover of his kingdom is recorded in Numbers 21:21-32 and Deuteronomy 2:26-37. Some key points:
- Israel sent messengers asking for safe passage but Sihon refused.
- The Lord told Moses He had given Sihon into their hand to conquer his land.
- Israel struck Sihon with the sword and took possession of his land from Arnon to Jabbok.
- They captured all Sihon’s cities and destroyed everyone in them, as the Lord had commanded.
- There was no city that escaped falling to the Israelites.
- Israel took the livestock and plunder from the cities as spoil.
- They occupied all the cities, living in them after driving out the Amorites.
- The Lord enabled Israel to conquer a much larger and stronger nation.
This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to Israel by giving them victory just as He promised. Though Sihon was a formidable foe, he was no match for the Lord’s power exercised on behalf of His people.
Strategic Importance of Defeating Sihon
Conquering Sihon’s kingdom held strategic value and benefits for the Israelites in several ways:
- Access to the Promised Land – Taking the lands east of the Jordan gave Israel a staging ground to cross the river and begin conquering Canaan.
- morale boost – Victory over Sihon built their confidence that God would continue to fight for them.
- Agricultural provision – Occupying cities and farms in the fertile land provided food and sustenance.
- Livestock increase – Seizing livestock as plunder added significantly to their herds and flocks.
- Protection – Taking this territory prevented Sihon’s army from attacking Israel from the rear.
- Fulfillment of prophecy – God was faithful to give them victory just as He had promised years earlier.
Gaining this land and access to its resources prepared Israel well for conquering Canaan. It also demonstrated God’s faithfulness to them after so many years of waiting.
Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh Inherit Sihon’s Land
After conquering Sihon and Og, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh approached Moses with a request. They had abundant livestock and saw that the lands just taken were good for grazing. They asked that this region be given to them as their inheritance rather than receiving land west of the Jordan.
At first Moses was displeased, thinking they did not want to continue on to Canaan with their brothers. But they assured him they would cross over to help fight until the land was conquered, only asking that this region eventually become their possession (Numbers 32:1-19).
Moses granted their request on condition that they keep their word. He reminded them of the consequences if they failed to help the other tribes win their inheritance (Numbers 32:20-24). The region formerly ruled by Sihon and Og was assigned to these two and a half tribes once the conquest was complete (Numbers 32:33).
This episode illustrates the providence of God in working all things for Israel’s good. Granting the Transjordan territory to these tribes freed up more land west of the Jordan for the other tribes. And it secured protection on Israel’s eastern flank after the conquest.
Sihon’s Kingdom in Israelite Hands
Occupying the former kingdom of Sihon brought many benefits to Israel:
- Strategic defense – It became a buffer between foreign enemies and the western tribes.
- Economic prosperity – The land was very fertile for agriculture and livestock.
- Access to trade – Major trade routes passed through this region.
- East bank control – Israel dominated river crossings, trade, and transport.
- Launch point – It served as the staging ground for conquering Canaan.
Possession of this territory put Israel in a much stronger position politically, economically, and militarily. It also fulfilled God’s promise of giving them land for their inheritance. Sihon’s kingdom proved a valuable asset for Israel’s ongoing conquest of the Promised Land.
Sihon’s Impact on Israel’s History
Though brief, Sihon’s encounter with Israel left an impact in several ways:
- His refusal to let Israel pass set the stage for their first major military conquest.
- It established Israel as a force to be reckoned with in Canaan.
- The victory provided a secure eastern territory for three tribes.
- Sihon’s defeat was remembered for generations as evidence of God’s faithfulness.
- Conquering his cities expanded Israel’s capacity to grow.
- It set a precedent for destroying all enemies in battle as the Lord commanded.
- Gaining Sihon’s fertile land blessed Israel economically.
For a short-lived king, Sihon played an important role in Israel’s history by propelling them into action to claim their inheritance. His opposition led to far-reaching blessings for Israel.
Sihon’s Pride and Rebellion
Sihon provides a clear example of how pride and rebellion against God will lead to destruction. Rather than granting Israel safe passage through his land, Sihon stubbornly opposed them. Several themes stand out:
- Hardened heart – He stubbornly resisted God’s purposes.
- Arrogance – He defiantly opposed Israel despite God’s promises.
- Self-reliance – Trusted in his own power more than God’s word.
- Idolatry – Served Amorite gods rather than the true God.
- Fate sealed – His fate was sealed when God used him to bring judgment.
Sihon highlights the destiny of all who set themselves against the Lord and His people. His pride and rebellion brought swift and complete destruction.
Lessons from Sihon’s Life
This ancient king faced a pivotal moment when confronted with God’s people. His poor choice resulted in disaster. Principles we can learn:
- Opposing God’s plan is futile – it will still be accomplished.
- God exalts the humble but opposes the proud.
- Rebelling against God’s people has serious consequences.
- God is faithful to His covenant promises.
- All who defy the Lord will perish.
- God alone fights and wins victories for His people.
- Arrogance blinds people to truth.
The choices facing Sihon remain unchanged today. One can either bow to the Lord or rebel against Him. Sihon reminds us that a prideful heart will lead only to ruin.
Prophetic Significance
The conquest of Sihon may hold some interesting prophetic significance in light of end-time events. Some possible connections:
- Israel’s return to the Promised Land parallels their first entry.
- As then, any who stand against them will be defeated.
- Their victory enabled full possession of the land.
- Israel’s emergence as a mighty army mirrors the conquest.
- As with Sihon, some lands east of Israel are currently hostile.
- Jordan is a key party in final events, just as in Joshua’s day.
- As Sihon denied passage, enemies today oppose Israel’s return.
Of course, this requires reading back from current events into Scripture. But it does suggest some interesting parallels as the reborn nation of Israel once again takes possession of the Promised Land.
Summary of Key Points
To summarize some of the key biblical facts about Sihon, king of the Amorites:
- Powerful Amorite ruler of territory north of the Arnon River
- Refused passage to Israel coming from the wilderness
- Engaged Israel in battle but was defeated by them
- Israel conquered all his cities, destroying the inhabitants
- Sihon’s land given to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
- His pride and opposition led to destruction
- Victory over Sihon gave Israel strategic access to Canaan
- Conquest demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His promises
Though brief, Sihon’s role was crucial in positioning Israel to conquer and inhabit the Promised Land. His story stands as a warning against opposing God’s will and people.