Numbers 21
Authorized King James Version (1769) with AI Commentary
2And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.🔗🔍
3And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.🔗🔍
4And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.🔗🔍
5And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.🔗🔍
6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.🔗🔍
7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.🔗🔍
8And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.🔗🔍
9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.🔗🔍
10And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.🔗🔍
11And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ije-abarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising.🔗🔍
12From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared.🔗🔍
13From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.🔗🔍
14Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,🔗🔍
15And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.🔗🔍
16And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.🔗🔍
17Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:🔗🔍
18The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:🔗🔍
19And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:🔗🔍
20And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.🔗🔍
21And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,🔗🔍
22Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high way, until we be past thy borders.🔗🔍
23And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.🔗🔍
24And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.🔗🔍
25And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.🔗🔍
26For 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, even unto Arnon.🔗🔍
27Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:🔗🔍
28For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.🔗🔍
29Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.🔗🔍
30We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.🔗🔍
31Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.🔗🔍
32And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.🔗🔍
33And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.🔗🔍
34And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.🔗🔍
35So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.🔗🔍
AI Commentary on Numbers 21
Chapter Overview
Numbers 21 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, sacrifice, mercy. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- John 1:1 Related theological concept - Related theological concept
- Romans 8:28 God's sovereign purpose - God's sovereign purpose
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
📖 Scofield Commentary
📖 Scofield Reference Commentary
Click any verse number to view detailed commentary, cross-references, and theological notes.
Try clicking verse 1, 3, or 26 to see comprehensive annotations!
🤖 AI Commentary
Explore verse-by-verse analysis with historical context, theological insights, and cross-references for Numbers 21 from the Authorized King James Version (KJV).