Numbers 21:28
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָֽצְאָ֣ה
gone out
H3318
יָֽצְאָ֣ה
gone out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
10 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Historical Context
Ar was Moab's ancient capital. The 'high places' (bamot) were elevated worship sites central to Canaanite religion—combining political and religious authority. Sihon's conquest destroyed both Moab's political power and cultic centers, leaving the region ripe for Israelite occupation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God co-opt enemy imagery and language to accomplish His purposes?
- What 'fires' of destruction in your life has God transformed into preparation for His presence and blessing?
- How can you redeem cultural symbols and language for gospel purposes without compromising truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon—This poetic metaphor describes Sihon's military devastation of Moab. It hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon (בַּעֲלֵי בָמוֹת אַרְנֹן, ba'ale bamot Arnon)—The "lords" (ba'alim) likely refers to both political rulers and cultic officiants at Canaanite high places. Fire imagery evokes total military destruction.
Ancient victory songs used cosmic imagery—Sihon's conquest depicted as divine fire consuming all opposition. Israel inherited not just territory but the symbolic language of conquest, now redirected toward Yahweh's purposes. The 'fire from Heshbon' would be surpassed by the fire of God's presence leading Israel (Numbers 9:15-16).