Numbers 21:14
Wherefore 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,
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בְּסֵ֖פֶר
in the book
H5612
בְּסֵ֖פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת
of the wars
H4421
מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת
of the wars
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
5 of 12
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings maintained annals of military campaigns. Israel's 'Book of the Wars of the LORD' may have been a collection of victory songs and battle accounts, similar to Egyptian campaign records or Assyrian annals, but crediting Yahweh rather than human kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture's citation of external sources strengthen rather than weaken its authority and reliability?
- What 'wars of the LORD' in your life deserve documentation as testimonies to His faithfulness?
- How can you ensure your spiritual victories are recorded for others' encouragement and God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the book of the wars of the LORD (בְּסֵפֶר מִלְחֲמֹת יְהוָה, be-sefer milchamot YHWH)—Moses cites an ancient military chronicle, now lost, documenting Yahweh's victories. This proves biblical writers used historical sources and expected readers to verify references. What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon parallels the Exodus deliverance with Transjordan conquest—both were milchamot YHWH (wars of the LORD), divine interventions in history.
The citation's fragmentary nature (verses 14-15) suggests poetic quotation. Scripture itself acknowledges non-canonical sources as historically valid, while remaining the sole inspired authority. God's mighty acts were public knowledge, recorded in multiple witnesses.