Victories over Sihon and Og
Numbers 21:21-35
Num.21.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- סיחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Numbers 20:14-21 (structural): Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom requesting passage; similar diplomatic approach and refusal that frames a subsequent hostile response.
- Deuteronomy 2:26-30 (allusion): A retelling of the encounter with Sihon—Moses reports sending messengers to Sihon asking to pass peacefully and Sihon’s refusal and mobilization, closely paralleling Numbers 21:21–23.
- Judges 11:18-28 (allusion): Jephthah’s address to the Ammonites recalls Israel’s embassies to Sihon and Og and their refusals—an explicit allusion to the same diplomatic incident and its consequences.
- 2 Samuel 10:1-5 (thematic): David sends envoys to a foreign ruler (Hanun/Ammon); the mission is mishandled and leads to hostility—thematically parallels the sending of messengers to neighboring kings and ensuing conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
- Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
Num.21.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אעברה: VERB,qal,impf,1,NA,sg
- בארצך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2ms,pref:PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכרם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- נשתה: VERB,qal,impf,1,NA,pl
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- באר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,common,pl
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נעבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,common,pl
- גבלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.2.26-29 (verbal): Moses' embassy to Sihon is retold with language close to Num 21:22 — the request to pass through, promise not to turn into fields or drink wells, and intent to travel the King’s Highway until passing through.
- Deut.2.24-37 (structural): Extended Deuteronomic retelling of the negotiations and battles with Sihon (and the aftermath), preserving the same narrative structure and the Israelites' offer to pass without taking provisions.
- Num.21.33-35 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in Numbers: after the passage request and refusal, Israel fights and defeats Og — part of the same campaign sequence that begins in 21:21-22.
- Deut.3.1-11 (thematic): Account of the defeat of Og king of Bashan, a thematic continuation of the east-Jordan military campaign begun with Sihon — reinforces the outcome of Israel’s passage and conquest.
- Josh.12.3-4 (thematic): Joshua’s summary list of kings defeated by Israel east of the Jordan (including Sihon and Og) — a later summary that presupposes the events initiated by the passage request in Num 21:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Let us pass through your land; we will not turn into the fields or the vineyards, nor will we drink water from the wells. We will go by the king’s highway until we have passed through your border.”
- "Let us pass through your land; we will not turn aside into field or vineyard, nor will we drink water from any well; we will go along the king's highway until we have passed through your border."
Num.21.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סיחן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בגבלו: PREP
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סיחן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המדברה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהצה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- וילחם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 21:21-35 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the fuller account of Israel's request to pass, Sihon's refusal, his gathering of forces, the battle at Jahaz, and Israel's defeat of Sihon and seizure of his land.
- Deuteronomy 2:24-33 (verbal): Direct retelling of the same incident: Moses recounts that Sihon would not allow Israel to pass, gathered his people and fought in the wilderness, and the LORD gave him into Israel's hand.
- Joshua 12:2 (thematic): Summary list of Transjordan conquests naming Sihon king of the Amorites (reigned at Heshbon) as one of the kings defeated by Israel — situates the Numbers episode in the book of conquest.
- Deuteronomy 3:1-7 (thematic): Parallel episode involving another Amorite king (Og of Bashan): like Sihon he opposed Israel in the eastern lands and was defeated, illustrating the recurring pattern of Amorite resistance and divine deliverance in the Transjordan narratives.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. Sihon gathered all his people and went out to meet Israel in the wilderness; he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel.
- But Sihon would not permit Israel to pass through his border. Sihon gathered all his people and went out to meet Israel in the wilderness; he came to Jahaz and fought Israel.
Num.21.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויירש: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מארנן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- יבק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deut.2:24 (verbal): Same episode: God commands Israel to go up against Sihon and take possession of his land—language and action (strike/possess) parallel Numbers 21's account of dispossessing land to the Arnon.
- Deut.2:36 (structural): Retells the conquest of Sihon and the dispossession of the Amorites, explicitly noting the boundary from Aroer by the Arnon to the Jabbok, paralleling Numbers 21:24's territorial description.
- Josh.13:25 (structural): Joshua's summary of the territory east of the Jordan lists the land taken from Sihon 'from Aroer by the Arnon to the Jabbok,' echoing Numbers' geographic boundary and Israel's acquisition.
- Judg.11:13-27 (thematic): Jephthah's diplomatic speech to the Ammonites cites Israel's earlier conquest of Sihon and possession of land east of the Jordan (Arnon–Jabbok) as the basis for denying Ammonite claims—an allusion to the same territorial outcome reported in Numbers 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land—from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the Ammonites; for the border of the Ammonites was strong.
- Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land—from the Arnon to the Jabbok, to the border of the sons of Ammon; for the border of the sons of Ammon was strong.
Num.21.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחשבון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- בנתיה: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 2:34-35 (verbal): Same episode of Israel's defeat of Sihon and the Amorites — 'took all his cities' and destroyed or occupied them; echoes language of taking Heshbon and its villages.
- Joshua 12:2-3 (verbal): Ancient summary list of conquests east of the Jordan naming Sihon of Heshbon and his territory — parallels the report that Israel captured and possessed the Amorite cities.
- Joshua 13:25 (structural): Part of the land-allocation tradition explaining possession of the former Amorite lands (including Heshbon) by Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh — connects conquest to subsequent settlement.
- Judges 1:27 (thematic): Contrasts with passages like Numbers 21:25 by describing Israelites who failed to drive out Canaanite inhabitants; highlights the theme of taking and dwelling in conquered cities versus incomplete occupation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Israel took all those cities and settled in all the cities of the Amorites—Heshbon and all its villages.
- Israel took all these cities and dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites—Heshbon and all its villages.
Num.21.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סיחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- נלחם: VERB,nif,perf,3,m,sg
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מידו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- ארנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 2:26-37 (allusion): A closely related retelling of the campaign against Sihon, noting Israel's defeat of the Amorite king and possession of his land up to the Arnon.
- Joshua 12:2 (structural): Lists Sihon king of the Amorites among the kings defeated by Israel—serves as a conquest catalog parallel to Numbers' account.
- Joshua 13:21 (thematic): Refers to the land taken from Sihon and allotted to Israel (tribes of Reuben and Gad), echoing the territorial note 'to the Arnon' in Numbers 21:26.
- Judges 11:18-22 (allusion): Jephthah recounts Israel's earlier victories over Sihon (and Og) when arguing territorial claims with the Ammonites, alluding to the same conquest and boundaries.
Alternative generated candidates
- For Heshbon had been the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and captured all his territory from him as far as the Arnon.
- For Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites. He had formerly battled the king of Moab and had taken all his land from him as far as the Arnon.
Num.21.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- יאמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- המשלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תבנה: VERB,niphal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותכונן: VERB,niphal,impf,3,f,sg
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 2:32-36 (quotation): Deuteronomy retells the same episode of Israel’s victory over Sihon and the capture of Heshbon, closely paralleling Numbers’ account and its call to build/occupy the city.
- Joshua 12:2 (structural): Joshua’s summary list of kings defeated by Israel includes Sihon king of Heshbon, placing the Numbers proclamation within the conquest tradition.
- Judges 11:26-27 (allusion): Jephthah appeals to Israel’s prior possession of Heshbon and its towns (taken from the Amorites), echoing the settlement motif found in Numbers 21.
- Jeremiah 48:1-3 (thematic): The prophetic oracle against Moab names Heshbon and Dibon and reflects later memory/diagnosis of these cities’ fates, engaging the same geographic and historical tradition invoked in Numbers 21:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore the taunt-singers said, “Come, let Heshbon be built and established—let the city of Sihon be prepared.”
- Therefore the poets say, "Come to Heshbon; build it, establish the city of Sihon!"
Num.21.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יצאה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מחשבון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקרית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סיחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ער: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- במות: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 2:24-36 (structural): Retells the Israelite defeat of Sihon and the seizure of his territory east of the Jordan (Heshbon, Ar) — a parallel narrative account to Numbers 21’s report of fire from Heshbon and the consuming of Ar of Moab.
- Joshua 12:2-3 (structural): Summarizes the kings defeated by Israel on the east of the Jordan, including Sihon king of the Amorites and the cities of his realm (Heshbon/Ar), echoing Numbers’ report of victory and destruction.
- Isaiah 15:1-3 (allusion): A poetic oracle concerning Moab that names Ar of Moab and mourns devastation along the Arnon region — thematically connected to Numbers’ image of fire consuming Ar of Moab.
- Jeremiah 48:1-3 (thematic): Prophetic pronouncement against Moab that depicts ruin of Moabite towns (including references to places in the Heshbon/Ar/Arnon area), echoing the motif of destruction found in Numbers 21:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- For fire went out from Heshbon, and a flame from the city of Sihon; it consumed the heights of Moab, the peaks of the Arnon.
- For a fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon; it consumed the strongholds of Moab and the heights of Arnon.
Num.21.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אוי: INTJ
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- כמוש: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- פליטם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ובנתיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בשבית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Jeremiah 48:1, 7, 25–26 (thematic): An extended oracle against Moab that laments Moab’s defeat and humiliation, explicitly mentions Chemosh and the loss/capture of Moabite people—echoing the taunt in Num 21:29.
- 2 Kings 3:4–27 (esp. v.27) (thematic): The Mesha (Moabite) episode; Mesha invokes Chemosh and sacrifices his son when Moab is hard-pressed—connects the poem’s reference to Chemosh and desperate measures involving Moab’s children.
- Isaiah 15–16 (esp. Isa. 15:1; 16:6–7) (thematic): Lament over Moab describing flight, devastation and loss (including daughters and fugitives); thematically parallels the mourning and destruction voiced in Num 21:29.
- Deuteronomy 2:24–37 (esp. 2:30–33) (structural): Narrative account of Israel’s conflict with Sihon king of the Amorites and the LORD giving Sihon into Israel’s hand—directly connects to Num 21:29’s reference to Sihon and the regional power dynamics.
- Ezekiel 25:8–11 (thematic): Prophetic judgment on Moab promising defeat and humiliation; echoes the motif of Moab’s downfall and loss of sons/daughters to enemies found in Num 21:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh—he has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites.
- Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh—he has given his sons as fugitives and his daughters into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites.
Num.21.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונירם: CONJ+VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- אבד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- דיבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- נפח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עד: PREP
- מידבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 21:21-35 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the episode recounting Israel's victory over Sihon and the subsequent list of towns taken — v.30 is part of this conquest listing.
- Deuteronomy 2:33-36 (verbal): Retells the defeat of Sihon and the capture/destruction of his cities; echoes language about the LORD delivering the cities into Israel's hand and the taking of those towns.
- Joshua 12:2-3 (structural): Catalogues the kings and territories defeated east of the Jordan, including Sihon and his cities — a later summary of the same conquests and place-names.
- Joshua 13:21 (thematic): Describes the territory of Sihon and the towns in it (land later assigned to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh), reflecting the transfer of these towns after Israel's victory mentioned in Num 21:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- A cry went out: “Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon, its villages to Nophah, which reaches to Medeba.”
- Nirim was laid waste; Heshbon as far as Dibon, and its outposts to Nophah, which extends to Medeba.
Num.21.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Num.21:32 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same episode; repeats and expands the statement that Israel occupied the cities and land of the Amorites (Heshbon, etc.).
- Deut.2:24-36 (thematic): Moses' retelling of the expedition against Sihon the Amorite and the taking of his land—same conquest and possession event commemorated in Num 21:31.
- Josh.12:2 (thematic): Joshua's catalogue of kings and territories defeated earlier (including Sihon king of the Amorites) ties the Amorite territory to Israel's conquest and settlement.
- Judg.11:18-19 (allusion): Jephthah recalls that Israel previously passed through and possessed the land of the Amorites (by the Arnon/Heshbon region), echoing the claim that Israel 'dwelt in the land of the Amorite.'
Alternative generated candidates
- So Israel lived in the land of the Amorites.
- So Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.
Num.21.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לרגל: PREP
- את: PRT,acc
- יעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילכדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בנתיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויורש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 21:33-35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the conquest narrative (Sihon and the Amorites): describes the fighting, capture of cities, and Israel's dispossession of Amorite territory directly connected to the action at Jaazer.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Reuben and Gad see and desire the land of Jazer/Gilead; treats Jazer as a distinct territorial unit and desirable grazing/settlement land—connects to Moses' earlier sending to take Jaazer.
- Deuteronomy 2:33-36 (verbal): Deuteronomy retells the campaign against Sihon and the taking of his cities and lands, emphasizing that the LORD gave Sihon into Israel's hand and they dispossessed the Amorites—paralleling Num 21:32's report of capturing Jaazer and ousting Amorites.
- Joshua 13:24-28 (thematic): Joshua's summary of the lands east of the Jordan (Bashan and Gilead) and their allocation/reconnaissance reflects the same territorial acquisitions (including towns like Jazer) that Moses' expedition began in Numbers 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses sent to spy out Jaazer; they took its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.
- Moses sent to reconnoiter Jazer; they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.
Num.21.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפנו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עוג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדרעי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 3:1 (quotation): Retells the same episode: Israel goes up to Bashan and Og king of Bashan comes out to battle at Edrei (near-verbatim recounting of Num 21:33).
- Deuteronomy 3:3 (verbal): Specifies the battle at Edrei where Og and all his people were delivered into Israel's hand, echoing the place-name and outcome of Num 21:33–35.
- Joshua 12:4 (structural): Summary list of defeated kings in the conquest era includes 'Og king of Bashan' at Ashtaroth and Edrei, summarizing the same event recorded in Num 21:33–35.
- Joshua 13:31 (structural): Describes the allotment of Bashan (land of Og) to the half-tribe of Manasseh, presupposing Israel's victory over Og described in Num 21:33ff.
- Numbers 21:21–25 (thematic): Immediate literary parallel within the same chapter: Israel's request for passage and subsequent battle with Sihon king of the Amorites sets the pattern continued in the encounter with Og at Bashan (Num 21:33).
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they turned and went up by the road to Bashan. Og king of Bashan came out to meet them—he and all his people—to battle at Edrei.
- They turned and went up by the road to Bashan. Og king of Bashan came out to meet them, he and all his people, for battle at Edrei.
Num.21.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- כי: CONJ
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss=3,m,sg
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לסיחן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- בחשבון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.21:21-31 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the campaign against Sihon is recounted here; the command in 21:34 echoes the outcome and pattern of confrontation and possession established in these verses.
- Deut.2:24-37 (allusion): Deuteronomy retells the commission to attack Sihon and the taking of his land—language and theological rationale (God gives the enemy into Israel's hand) parallel the assurance in Num 21:34.
- Deut.3:1-11 (verbal): The defeat of Og king of Bashan and seizure of his territory is narrated here; Num 21:34 anticipates treating this new opponent as Og was treated, mirroring wording and outcome.
- Josh.24:5 (thematic): Joshua's farewell speech cites God’s past provision — 'I gave Og and Sihon into your hand' — echoing Num 21:34’s claim that the foe and his land are given into Israel’s hand.
- Ps.135:10-12 (verbal): A Psalmic celebration that God struck down great kings (naming Sihon and Og) and gave their land as an inheritance—echoes the theological theme of divine deliverance and possession expressed in Num 21:34.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of him; I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites who lived in Heshbon.”
- 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. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites who dwelt at Heshbon."
Num.21.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואת: CONJ
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- בלתי: NEG
- השאיר: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שריד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויירשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m
Parallels
- Deut.2.34-35 (verbal): Retells Israel's defeat of Sihon with language very close to Numbers 21:35: they struck him and his sons and all his people and took possession of his land.
- Deut.3.6 (verbal): Account of the defeat of Og king of Bashan using the same formula of slaughtering the king and his people and leaving no survivor before taking the land.
- Josh.12.2-3 (structural): Catalogue of kings conquered by Israel (including Sihon and Og); parallels the outcome in Num 21:35 — the killing of the kings and Israel's possession of their territory.
- 1 Sam.15.3 (thematic): Divine command to annihilate Amalek (‘utterly destroy… let nothing live’); thematically parallels the idea of leaving no survivor in warfare.
- Deut.7.2 (thematic): Instruction to dispossess and destroy the nations of Canaan (to put them under the ban); parallels the motif of complete destruction and taking their land.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they defeated him—his sons and all his people—leaving no survivor, and they took possession of his land.
- So they struck him and his sons and all his people, leaving no survivor, and they dispossessed his land.
Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
“Let us pass through your land; we will not turn into the fields or into the vineyards, we will not drink water from the wells; we will go along the king’s highway until we have passed over your border.” But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border. Sihon gathered all his people and went out to meet Israel in the wilderness; he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel.
Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land—from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the boundary of the sons of Ammon; for the border of the sons of Ammon was strong.
Israel took all those cities and lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and in all its villages.
For Heshbon was Sihon’s city, king of the Amorites; he had fought against the former king of Moab and had seized all his land as far as Arnon.
Therefore the poets said, “Come to Heshbon; let it be built and established, the city of Sihon.”
For fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon; it devoured Ar of Moab and the heights of the Arnon.
“Woe to you, Moab! You are ruined, O people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites.”
Heshbon is destroyed to Dibon; its outlying places are laid waste to Nophah, which reaches to Medeba. So Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.
Moses sent messengers to seize Jaazer; they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.
Then they turned and went up by the way of Bashan. Og king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, with all his people and his land; do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites who lived at Heshbon.” So they struck him and his sons and all his people, leaving no remnant; and they possessed his land.