Sihon

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: King of Heshbon; Amorite king; first major conquest east of the Jordan
• Key Passages: Numbers 21:21–32; Deuteronomy 2:24–37; Psalm 135:11; 136:19
• Associated Book: Numbers, Deuteronomy

Summary

Sihon, king of Heshbon, refused to grant Israel passage through his territory, even though Moses sent messengers with a peaceful request and an offer to pay for water and food. The LORD hardened Sihon’s heart (Deuteronomy 2:30) so that Israel would have reason to take the Amorite territory as a possession. Sihon came out against Israel at Jahaz and was utterly defeated; Israel took all his cities and devoted the people to destruction. Heshbon and all the towns of the Arnon plateau became Israel’s possession.

Sihon’s defeat was Israel’s first great military victory in Canaan’s environs, immediately followed by the defeat of Og king of Bashan. Both victories are celebrated together in the Psalms (135:11; 136:19–20) as key demonstrations of God’s faithfulness to Israel’s inheritance. They established Israel’s foothold east of the Jordan before the crossing under Joshua.

Cross-References

• Og — the king of Bashan defeated immediately after Sihon; also a giant
• Moses — led Israel against Sihon at the LORD’s command
• Numbers — the book recording the defeat (Numbers 21)
• Deuteronomy — Moses rehearses the victory in his first speech (Deut. 2–3)

Tags

OldTestament King Amorite Sihon Conquest Numbers Deuteronomy