Numbers 21:23
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָתַ֨ן
would not suffer
H5414
נָתַ֨ן
would not suffer
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֲבֹ֣ר
to pass
H5674
עֲבֹ֣ר
to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
6 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒
through his border
H1366
בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒
through his border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֨ף
gathered
H622
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֨ף
gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
8 of 20
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמּ֗וֹ
all his people
H5971
עַמּ֗וֹ
all his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיֵּצֵ֞א
and went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֞א
and went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
13 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרַ֤את
against
H7125
לִקְרַ֤את
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
14 of 20
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה
into the wilderness
H4057
הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה
into the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
16 of 20
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and he came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and he came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
17 of 20
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Jahaz was in the Moabite plateau, later assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:18). This battle (c. 1406 BC) marked Israel's transformation into a military power. The Moabite Stone (Mesha Stele, 9th century BC) mentions Jahaz, confirming the site's historical significance in Transjordan conflicts.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God turned opposition into opportunity for conquest in your spiritual life?
- How do forced battles sometimes prepare you for future challenges better than negotiated peace would?
- Where might God be hardening opposition to move you from passive waiting to active faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through—Unlike Edom's refusal (Numbers 20:18-21), Sihon's rejection escalated to aggression. But Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz (יַהְצָה, Yahtsah)—This wasn't mere border defense but offensive warfare. Deuteronomy 2:30 reveals God hardened Sihon's heart, creating necessary cause for Israel's conquest.
Jahaz became the first major battle for the Promised Land, though technically in Transjordan. Sihon's aggression transformed Israel from wanderers into warriors, from request-makers into conquerors. God orchestrated circumstances so Israel's inheritance came through victory, not negotiation—preparing them for Canaan's battles.