Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
Analysis & Commentary
God's command to Israel to 'Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon' marks the transition from peaceful passage through Edom and Moab to military conquest of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. The phrase 'behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon' uses the prophetic perfect—God speaks of future events as already accomplished, demonstrating His sovereignty. The command to 'contend with him in battle' combines divine promise with human responsibility—Israel must fight, but victory is assured because God has already given it.
Historical Context
The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) formed the border between Moab to the south and the Amorite kingdom to the north. Sihon had previously conquered Moabite territory north of the Arnon (Numbers 21:26). Israel's defeat of Sihon gave them their first territorial possession and demonstrated God's power to the surrounding nations. This victory is repeatedly cited in Scripture as evidence of God's faithfulness (Psalms 135:10-12; 136:17-22).
Questions for Reflection
How does God's declaration of victory before the battle encourage you to face challenges in faith?
What 'Arnon River' is God calling you to cross, moving from preparation to action?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command to Israel to 'Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon' marks the transition from peaceful passage through Edom and Moab to military conquest of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. The phrase 'behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon' uses the prophetic perfect—God speaks of future events as already accomplished, demonstrating His sovereignty. The command to 'contend with him in battle' combines divine promise with human responsibility—Israel must fight, but victory is assured because God has already given it.