Numbers 21:26

Authorized King James Version

For 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן
For Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#3
עִ֗יר
was the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
סִיחֹ֛ן
of Sihon
sichon, an amoritish king
#5
בְּמֶ֤לֶךְ
king
a king
#6
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י
of the Amorites
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#7
הִ֑וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
וְה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
נִלְחַ֗ם
who had fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#10
בְּמֶ֤לֶךְ
king
a king
#11
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#12
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן
against the former
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#13
וַיִּקַּ֧ח
and taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
אַרְצ֛וֹ
all his land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
מִיָּד֖וֹ
out of his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#18
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
אַרְנֹֽן׃
even unto Arnon
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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