Numbers 21:29 - Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites.
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What does "Numbers 21:29" mean?
This verse from Numbers 21:29 is a prophetic lament and a taunt directed at the Moabites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Woe to you, Moab!" This is an expression of deep sorrow, grief, and impending doom directed at the nation of Moab. It's a pronouncement of judgment.
"You are undone, people of Chemosh!" This emphasizes the totality of Moab's destruction and links it to their deity, Chemosh. Moab's national identity and security are collapsing. Chemosh was the primary god worshipped by the Moabites. By mentioning Chemosh, the verse implies that the Moabite god was powerless to protect his people.
"He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites." This describes the consequences of Moab's defeat. Their sons (young men, potential warriors) are forced to flee and become refugees, while their daughters are taken captive. This is a common result of warfare and indicates the subjugation and loss of independence of the Moabite people. It highlights the loss of their lineage and future generations. The verse specifically mentions Sihon, king of the Amorites, as the victor. This refers to an earlier conflict (mentioned in previous verses of Numbers 21) where Sihon defeated Moab and took some of their territory.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Moab, your nation is doomed! You are completely destroyed because your god Chemosh couldn't protect you. He allowed your sons to become fleeing refugees and your daughters to be taken as slaves by Sihon, the Amorite king.
The verse highlights a few important themes:
The Powerlessness of False Gods: The verse implies that Chemosh was unable to defend his people, contrasting perhaps with the perceived power of the Israelite God who had been delivering victories to the Israelites.
The Consequences of Defeat: The verse vividly portrays the devastating effects of war and conquest: displacement, enslavement, and the loss of hope for the future.
Prophetic Lament: This is a common genre in the Hebrew Bible. It's not just a statement of fact, but a lamenting cry over the tragedy and downfall of a nation.
Historical Context: The verse reflects the historical conflicts between Moab and its neighbors, particularly the Amorites.
The verse is also important as it sets the stage for the following narrative. It establishes the vulnerability of Moab and hints at potential future conflicts with Israel. While Sihon defeated Moab, the Israelites now find themselves on the border of Moab, and the power dynamics are shifting.
Numbers 21:29 - Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites.
What does "Numbers 21:29" mean?
This verse from Numbers 21:29 is a prophetic lament and a taunt directed at the Moabites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Woe to you, Moab!" This is an expression of deep sorrow, grief, and impending doom directed at the nation of Moab. It's a pronouncement of judgment.
"You are undone, people of Chemosh!" This emphasizes the totality of Moab's destruction and links it to their deity, Chemosh. Moab's national identity and security are collapsing. Chemosh was the primary god worshipped by the Moabites. By mentioning Chemosh, the verse implies that the Moabite god was powerless to protect his people.
"He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites." This describes the consequences of Moab's defeat. Their sons (young men, potential warriors) are forced to flee and become refugees, while their daughters are taken captive. This is a common result of warfare and indicates the subjugation and loss of independence of the Moabite people. It highlights the loss of their lineage and future generations. The verse specifically mentions Sihon, king of the Amorites, as the victor. This refers to an earlier conflict (mentioned in previous verses of Numbers 21) where Sihon defeated Moab and took some of their territory.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Moab, your nation is doomed! You are completely destroyed because your god Chemosh couldn't protect you. He allowed your sons to become fleeing refugees and your daughters to be taken as slaves by Sihon, the Amorite king.
The verse highlights a few important themes:
The Powerlessness of False Gods: The verse implies that Chemosh was unable to defend his people, contrasting perhaps with the perceived power of the Israelite God who had been delivering victories to the Israelites.
The Consequences of Defeat: The verse vividly portrays the devastating effects of war and conquest: displacement, enslavement, and the loss of hope for the future.
Prophetic Lament: This is a common genre in the Hebrew Bible. It's not just a statement of fact, but a lamenting cry over the tragedy and downfall of a nation.
Historical Context: The verse reflects the historical conflicts between Moab and its neighbors, particularly the Amorites.
The verse is also important as it sets the stage for the following narrative. It establishes the vulnerability of Moab and hints at potential future conflicts with Israel. While Sihon defeated Moab, the Israelites now find themselves on the border of Moab, and the power dynamics are shifting.