Numbers 21:27 - Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;
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What does "Numbers 21:27" mean?
Numbers 21:27 is part of a larger passage (Numbers 21:27-30) that quotes an old saying, a type of victory song or taunt, which commemorates the Israelite conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites. Understanding the verse requires looking at the historical context and the nature of ancient Near Eastern literature.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"Therefore those who speak in proverbs say...": This indicates that what follows is a well-known saying or a poem. These "proverb speakers" likely represent bards, poets, or wise individuals within the region, possibly Amorites themselves, who preserved stories of significant events through song and verse.
"Come to Heshbon.": Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, the Amorite king. This is an invitation or call to action. It could be interpreted as:
A rally cry: "Come to Heshbon, let's celebrate!"
A recognition of the city's significance: "Heshbon is now ours, let's take possession."
A call to rebuild/re-establish the city. This aligns with the next part of the verse.
"Let the city of Sihon be built and established.": This suggests the city had been damaged or potentially abandoned after the conquest. The Israelites (or whoever is speaking through the proverb) intend to rebuild and re-establish it as a strong and permanent city. "Established" carries a connotation of permanence and stability.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation:
The verse celebrates the Israelite victory over Sihon and their subsequent control of his land. It's a triumphant announcement that invites people to recognize the new reality. The proverb emphasizes the importance of Heshbon as the capital and underscores the intent to rebuild and secure the city for the victors.
Contextual Considerations:
Ancient Warfare and Conquest: In ancient warfare, conquering a city and claiming its land was a significant act. Rebuilding and establishing the city symbolized the conqueror's power and commitment to controlling the territory.
Poetic Style: The verse employs parallelism, a common feature of Hebrew poetry. The two phrases ("Come to Heshbon" and "Let the city of Sihon be built and established") are related and reinforce the same idea: the Israelites' domination of the region.
Historical Significance: The conquest of Sihon was a pivotal event in Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It marked a turning point in their ability to acquire land and establish themselves in Canaan.
In summary, Numbers 21:27 is a fragment of an ancient victory song, celebrating the Israelite conquest of Sihon's territory and emphasizing their intention to rebuild and establish Heshbon as a lasting symbol of their power.
Numbers 21:27 - Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;
What does "Numbers 21:27" mean?
Numbers 21:27 is part of a larger passage (Numbers 21:27-30) that quotes an old saying, a type of victory song or taunt, which commemorates the Israelite conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites. Understanding the verse requires looking at the historical context and the nature of ancient Near Eastern literature.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"Therefore those who speak in proverbs say...": This indicates that what follows is a well-known saying or a poem. These "proverb speakers" likely represent bards, poets, or wise individuals within the region, possibly Amorites themselves, who preserved stories of significant events through song and verse.
"Come to Heshbon.": Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, the Amorite king. This is an invitation or call to action. It could be interpreted as:
A rally cry: "Come to Heshbon, let's celebrate!"
A recognition of the city's significance: "Heshbon is now ours, let's take possession."
A call to rebuild/re-establish the city. This aligns with the next part of the verse.
"Let the city of Sihon be built and established.": This suggests the city had been damaged or potentially abandoned after the conquest. The Israelites (or whoever is speaking through the proverb) intend to rebuild and re-establish it as a strong and permanent city. "Established" carries a connotation of permanence and stability.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation:
The verse celebrates the Israelite victory over Sihon and their subsequent control of his land. It's a triumphant announcement that invites people to recognize the new reality. The proverb emphasizes the importance of Heshbon as the capital and underscores the intent to rebuild and secure the city for the victors.
Contextual Considerations:
Ancient Warfare and Conquest: In ancient warfare, conquering a city and claiming its land was a significant act. Rebuilding and establishing the city symbolized the conqueror's power and commitment to controlling the territory.
Poetic Style: The verse employs parallelism, a common feature of Hebrew poetry. The two phrases ("Come to Heshbon" and "Let the city of Sihon be built and established") are related and reinforce the same idea: the Israelites' domination of the region.
Historical Significance: The conquest of Sihon was a pivotal event in Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It marked a turning point in their ability to acquire land and establish themselves in Canaan.
In summary, Numbers 21:27 is a fragment of an ancient victory song, celebrating the Israelite conquest of Sihon's territory and emphasizing their intention to rebuild and establish Heshbon as a lasting symbol of their power.