Numbers 21:35 - So they struck him, with his sons and all his people, until there were no survivors; and they possessed his land.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 21:35" mean?
This verse describes a complete and brutal victory in battle. Let's break it down:
"So they struck him..." This indicates a military assault. "They" refers to the Israelites (implied from the broader context of the chapter, which narrates their journey and battles). "Him" refers to King Og of Bashan, as established in the previous verse (Numbers 21:33).
"...with his sons and all his people..." This clarifies who was targeted in the attack. It wasn't just the king; his entire family and all his subjects were included. This suggests a scorched-earth policy aiming for complete destruction of the enemy.
"...until there were no survivors..." This is the most stark and disturbing part of the verse. It means everyone was killed. No one was left alive.
"...and they possessed his land." This is the outcome of the victory. The Israelites took control of Og's territory, claiming it as their own. The conquest was absolute.
In essence, the verse describes a devastating military defeat for Og and his people, resulting in their annihilation and the annexation of their land by the Israelites.
Interpretation and Context
It's important to understand this verse within its broader historical and theological context:
Ancient Warfare: Warfare in the ancient Near East was often brutal and total. The idea of sparing civilians or taking prisoners was not always the norm. Often, the goal was complete elimination of the enemy to secure territory and resources.
Divine Command: The Old Testament often portrays these battles as divinely sanctioned. God is seen as commanding or permitting the Israelites to conquer and dispossess other nations as part of His plan for them to inherit the Promised Land. This is a complex and controversial aspect that raises ethical questions for modern readers.
Theological Significance: For the Israelites, these victories were seen as evidence of God's power and faithfulness to His promises. They demonstrated His ability to protect and provide for His people.
Ethical Considerations
For contemporary readers, verses like this raise significant ethical and moral questions about violence, warfare, and the nature of God. How can a God of love and justice command or allow such brutality? There are various ways to grapple with these questions:
Historical Context: Understanding the historical context is crucial. Judging ancient actions by modern standards can be problematic.
Differing Interpretations: Different theological perspectives offer different interpretations. Some see these events as literal historical accounts of divine commands, while others view them as symbolic or allegorical narratives.
Moral Progress: Some argue that the Old Testament reflects a developing understanding of morality and that later teachings emphasize justice, mercy, and forgiveness.
Focus on Ultimate Goals: Some argue that while the methods might seem harsh, the ultimate goal was to establish a people who would bring blessing to the world through their relationship with God.
In Conclusion
Numbers 21:35 is a stark and unsettling verse describing a complete and brutal military victory. It should be understood within its historical and theological context, acknowledging the ethical challenges it presents for modern readers. The verse offers insight into ancient warfare practices and the Israelite understanding of God's role in their history.
Numbers 21:35 - So they struck him, with his sons and all his people, until there were no survivors; and they possessed his land.
What does "Numbers 21:35" mean?
This verse describes a complete and brutal victory in battle. Let's break it down:
"So they struck him..." This indicates a military assault. "They" refers to the Israelites (implied from the broader context of the chapter, which narrates their journey and battles). "Him" refers to King Og of Bashan, as established in the previous verse (Numbers 21:33).
"...with his sons and all his people..." This clarifies who was targeted in the attack. It wasn't just the king; his entire family and all his subjects were included. This suggests a scorched-earth policy aiming for complete destruction of the enemy.
"...until there were no survivors..." This is the most stark and disturbing part of the verse. It means everyone was killed. No one was left alive.
"...and they possessed his land." This is the outcome of the victory. The Israelites took control of Og's territory, claiming it as their own. The conquest was absolute.
In essence, the verse describes a devastating military defeat for Og and his people, resulting in their annihilation and the annexation of their land by the Israelites.
Interpretation and Context
It's important to understand this verse within its broader historical and theological context:
Ancient Warfare: Warfare in the ancient Near East was often brutal and total. The idea of sparing civilians or taking prisoners was not always the norm. Often, the goal was complete elimination of the enemy to secure territory and resources.
Divine Command: The Old Testament often portrays these battles as divinely sanctioned. God is seen as commanding or permitting the Israelites to conquer and dispossess other nations as part of His plan for them to inherit the Promised Land. This is a complex and controversial aspect that raises ethical questions for modern readers.
Theological Significance: For the Israelites, these victories were seen as evidence of God's power and faithfulness to His promises. They demonstrated His ability to protect and provide for His people.
Ethical Considerations
For contemporary readers, verses like this raise significant ethical and moral questions about violence, warfare, and the nature of God. How can a God of love and justice command or allow such brutality? There are various ways to grapple with these questions:
Historical Context: Understanding the historical context is crucial. Judging ancient actions by modern standards can be problematic.
Differing Interpretations: Different theological perspectives offer different interpretations. Some see these events as literal historical accounts of divine commands, while others view them as symbolic or allegorical narratives.
Moral Progress: Some argue that the Old Testament reflects a developing understanding of morality and that later teachings emphasize justice, mercy, and forgiveness.
Focus on Ultimate Goals: Some argue that while the methods might seem harsh, the ultimate goal was to establish a people who would bring blessing to the world through their relationship with God.
In Conclusion
Numbers 21:35 is a stark and unsettling verse describing a complete and brutal military victory. It should be understood within its historical and theological context, acknowledging the ethical challenges it presents for modern readers. The verse offers insight into ancient warfare practices and the Israelite understanding of God's role in their history.