Sihon
“Sweeping away (i.e., warrior); or bold”
Summary
The powerful Amorite king who ruled from Heshbon, defeated by Israel in their first major conquest east of the Jordan.
☩The Warrior King
Sihon was a man of great courage and military prowess. Shortly before Israel's arrival, he had conquered a splendid territory from the Moabites, driving them south of the Arnon with great slaughter and capturing many prisoners. An ancient victory song preserved in Numbers celebrates his conquest of Moab. Unlike Balak who attempted diplomacy and curses, when Sihon saw the Israelite host approach, he immediately gathered his forces and attacked.
☩Defeat and Legacy
When Israel requested peaceful passage through his territory, Sihon refused and gathered all his people to fight at Jahaz. The battle resulted in Sihon's total defeat and death, and his entire territory from the Arnon to the Jabbok became Israel's possession. The victory made a profound impression on Israel and is frequently commemorated throughout Scripture, appearing in the Psalms as evidence of God's mighty deliverance. Josephus records that every man in the nation fit to bear arms fought in the Amorite army, highlighting the completeness of Israel's victory.
Related Verses35 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sihon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sihon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Sihon," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).